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?
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An underworld romance that brings you the unexpected from the beginning. I enjoyed meeting the king and and the seedy participants. Good story. Standalone. HEA.
Corrupt Kingdom by Ava Harrison is a edgy romance with a male alpha that you’ll swoon over. Ava gives us a darker side to her writing. We get sucked in to the unfolding of a corrupt kingdom and invested in the relationship of Cyrus and Ivy. The roller coaster ride of opening up your heart to trust, vulnerability, and love is what we get in this story. You’ll love secondary characters that Ava writes in to support the love story of Cyrus and Ivy. You’ll love the rawness of a man who on top of the underground world, be gutted by a woman who is strong in spirit and fights the walls of his heart.
“You’re beautiful when you’re angry.” ~ Cyrus Reed
Loved the roller coaster ride of friendship between Cyrus and Ivy. I like to bookmark pages so I can go back and do a re-read. This book seemed to be every other page another bookmark. There was just the right amount of drama. I do not want to give alot of details as that would take away the joy for someone else as they read the story. Hope to see Trent in a future story and their mom would be also nice to see in a future story. They all went through a dark time in their lives.
Ava comes back with another exquisite masterpiece. This is everything and beyond what you expect from her books. From poetic words, powerful multifaceted characters and captivating plot, she has given her readers an enthralling experience with this story. The story is a little different from her usual stories but still she executed it flawlessly . The story is filled with suspense, danger , lust and romance. Cyrus is an antihero like no other who captured my attention from the moment he was introduced. He has an tough exterior but when he is with Ivy we get glimpses of different side of him. Ivy is total opposite of him and what I loved about her character was she is breath of fresh air , total opposite of Cyrus however she is strong and doesn’t give in to her circumstances she keeps up her fight. The slow burn romance and attraction between these two was more relatable and realistic. Ava did a fantastic job with the story and this story has to be one of her best work to date . Not that I don’t love her previous books , but this book was just phenomenal. It was well written , I was captivated from the beginning to end. It kept me literally glued , I couldn’t leave the book once I started it and literally binge read it. There are few stories & characters that stay with you even after they end , this is one of those story for me. I really enjoyed the story. Definitely a must read and if I could I would give it more than 5 Stars. I am anxiously waiting for the audiobook of this book can’t wait to listen to it. This is one of my favorite books from 2020 . Highly recommend this book. Can’t wait for everyone to meet Cyrus Reed.
I have thoroughly enjoyed each Ava Harrison book I’ve read so far.
But this one I absolutely loved!
I have a thing for antiheroes.
Cyrus is everything I love!
Sexy,mysterious and breaking all the rules.
He’s leans towards the dark side and makes no apologies for it.
Though his scruples and morales are questionable.
There are some lines he will not cross.
I found Cyrus not only sexy and delicious.
But complex and utterly intriguing.
There is so much more to this mysterious man than meets the eye.
Ivy is incredible!
I adorned her right away.
She’s not any strong willed and courageous.
She’s sassy and feisty.
Ivy loves wholeheartedly and her goodness shines brightly.
I admired how she owned up to her feelings for those around her.
No matter who that person happens to be.
I loved the fact that when she set her mind on doing something she doesn’t give up.
An example of that was winning over Cerberus.
That was one of many of my favorite parts of the book
It had me laughing at loud
Cyrus and Ivy had a real connection together.
No matter if they wanted it or not.
It was something that can be felt.
It started off with a spark and just kept growing with each interaction until their fire burned bright.
They are combustible together.
Their arguments are fiery.
And their sexual chemistry is explosive!
Ivy and Cyrus are as opposite as they come.
But somehow they fit together perfectly.
Their story is edgy and thrilling.
It had me biting my nails at times.
And my heart beating fast at times.
I laughed at moments and had tears in my eyes at moments.
Just a great combination and mixture of light and dark.
You all need to meet the sexy multilingual Cyrus Reed but be prepared to lose your heart
Enemies to Lovers | Romantic Suspense
WOW! Ava Harrison has DELIVERED with Corrupt Kingdom! This book had me hanging on the edge of my seat. I hard nervous jitters while reading and simply devoured it because I couldn’t look away. If you like corrupt anti-heroes that slowly weave their way into your heart, then you won’t want to miss Cyrus’s story. This is a nail biting, jaw dropping read!
One thing that I really took away from this story was the phenomenal writing. Ava Harrison is a great writer in general and I’ve enjoyed her books but with this one? There’s something different going on. I feel like she’s really taken to time to weave a story that readers can FEEL. She also added so many complexities to both characters (Cyrus AND Ivy) that finding redeeming qualities in them was easy (even though some of the shady and dark stuff going on!). I really, really liked all of this!
If you’re in the mood for something darker, a book with grit, and a book that will leave you feeling tense, then this is the book for you!
Ava Harrison takes us deep into the darkness that is Corrupt Kingdom.
Corrupt Kingdom by Ava Harrison is darker than what I’m used to by this author, but she made a great job of it. It’s gritty, sensual and full of emotions that both characters express in their own way.
Cyrus Reed rules his domain with an iron fist, he needs thanks to the clientele he works with. Thieves, murderers, people who don’t give a damn, and neither does he. Or so he lets others think.
He has a hidden side, a deep, soft and squidgy one he can’t let the mafiosos and gunrunners know about. Or he’d be dead himself.
It’s a hard line to straddle and one slip is all it would take to bring him down.
Ivy Aldridge is a sassy and fierce woman, she has a sharp tongue when needed and can take on the best or worst of them. They made an interesting and sexy couple. This book captured my attention from the outset and never let it go. A tense, dramatic and suspense-filled story that you won’t be able to put down until the last word falls from the page.
This was the first “dark” book I have read from Ava. I had mixed feelings about it, I loved the writing but had some issues with their relationship. Overall, I would recommend it in a heartbeat, it was gritty, sexy and suspenseful.
Cyrus was ruthless. It would have been better to have stayed away but unfortunately for Ava, that was not an option.
One game sealed her fate but would fate go as planned?
Ava sure brought her A game! Even if I wasn’t sold on their relationship that didn’t stop me from recognizing a great story! It truly was an edge of your seat, dominating, sexy read!
Cerberus
This is one of those books that I wished could go on forever..I mean the ending was super sweet and perfect but I need more of Cyrus and Ivy!
So I love when a bad boy has the strong Alpha, take charge attitude but I also love it when they have a sweet sensitive side as well. I don’t want to ruin anything for anybody since Cyrus is the banker and has a reputation to uphold. I mean he has all the control. A situation arises at one of his poker games and despite not wanting to get involved at first, Cyrus has no choice but too. Ivy is the Sun in his dark world. She’s the one to break thru his walls and get him to talk. It started out rocky between them but once the trust begin, things begin to change with them. It was great to watch the process happen. These two have an incredible bond. I loved Ivy. She’s a spitfire. She doesn’t let him walk all over him and fights him at every turn. It was so nice to see this. She was determined to get away from him until she learned the truth and found herself falling for him. This book was incredible and had some unexpected twists towards the end that I didn’t see coming…one especially. Anyway I really really really loved this book and Cyrus and Ivy!!!!!!
Corrupt Kingdom by Ava Harrison is Cyrus Reed and Ivy Aldridge’s story.
What a sizzling enemies to lovers romantic suspense read!! It’s angsty, steamy, intense, forbidden, touching, dark romance, and yes- the anti- hero will have you swooning all over him!!
Cyrus Reed is the King of the Underworld. He’s ruthless , master manipulator, his clients are all criminals and he is so deliciously sexy!! Ivy is young, innocent, beautiful and so sweet. These two meet due something horrible that Ivy’s dad did. Cyrus steps up to save Ivy from a horrific fate. Does he save her life….or does he Corrupt her ?
This is a beautiful story that has the mafia theme and the push/pull between the main characters. Great read with awesome plot and steamy scenes.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
Corrupt Kingdom is an amazing dark romantic suspense. I love the cover! Cyrus and Ivy’s story is suspenseful! Cyrus is ruthless, dark, and powerful, handsome, and protective. Ivy is young, sweet, beautiful, strong, and caring. I like their slow burn story, and sizzling chemistry. This story has it all! Suspenseful, dark, and intense, filled with twists and turns, danger, and action. Sebastian York and Ava Erickson did an outstanding job with the narration. Ava Harrison is one of my favorite authors. She never disappoints. I highly recommend it. (Review updated with the audiobook version)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
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 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?
Oh my gosh I loved this story. This is about Cyrus, the kingpin of the underworld and Ivy who is young and sweet. He rules the underworld by being ruthless in his business and his clients are criminals. However poor Ivy has a father that could care less about him. He has gotten in over his head with his gambling and he puts up his daughter as collateral. Ivy ends up being handed over to Cyrus and she wakes up on his private island. I don’t want to give anything away about this book. it is dark and full of suspense. You guys are going to love it.
Sexy, sensuous and heartfelt, this Mafia romance is on a league of its own.
Cyrus ain’t your typical Mafia alpha devil, and Ivy ain’t your typical heroine. Both are straight shooters no nonsense people who came across as brutally honest and relatable. There was an edgy quality to these characters that made their chemistry and banter delicious to read.
He’s a criminal with a heart of gold. She’s a florist with a spine of steel!
After his world collides with Ivy’s, both their lives take unexpected turns as they both try to protect that which they love the most.
Well written, with likable characters, overall I enjoyed this story to see how their story evolved.
As far as mafia romance/stories, this story was pretty lighthearted, heartfelt and swoony.
3.5 stars!
This was a magnificent read that keep me at the edge of my sit, the story sucked me in completely and left me wanting more.
This book is sexy and mysterious, full of angst and suspense.
Cyrus Reed is the antihero you want in your corner, he is sexy, ruthless and dark. He is a villain and his kingdom is full of corruption. He lives his life in the shadows but everything changes one night where the fate of a woman is put in his hands.
Ivy is a loving and caring woman but her life will drastically change after a bet is lost. She will become a prisoner to the sexy and handsome devil Cyrus.
There is a thin line between hate and love and this book it’s the perfect sample for it.
Will Ivy be the sun to Cyrus darkness?
Every single page of this book is perfection and it’s definitely a must read.
Oh, how I LOVED Corrupt Kingdom! I have been a fan of Ava Harrison’s work for a long time and I have to say that Corrupt Kingdom is now hands down my fave story of her’s. It is a complex, intense story that intertwines dark twists and turns with heartbreak, love, and some sizzling hot sexiness! I was drawn in from the very beginning and could not wait to see if Cyrus and Ivy would find their way to a HEA.
Ava Harrison is an amazing storyteller and always leaves her readers begging for more!
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book but the story blew me away. It was so well written and the way the story unfolded was nothing short of pure brilliance. I started reading and literally didn’t move till I finished, I just had to keep reading. The storyline was captivating and engaging, it never lost its momentum at all. I highly recommend this book.
I was totally consumed by this book. Cyrus and Ivy’s romance was an enticing an captivating tale that grabbed my attention and did not let go. This book is filled with powerful contrasts. Cyrus is a true anti-hero that is as easy to hate as he is to love. There is no denying the darkness that lives within him and that surrounds him. Is he a good man? No. But Ivy brings a light into this darkness that enables the unexpected and unwanted potential to do good things. Ivy herself is another study in contrasts. She my find herself in a dire situation but she refused to be a damsel in distress. She was a character that was strong enough to go toe-to-toe with Cyrus and not blink. This romance is a slow burner but trust me it is so worth it. There are more than enough sparks, sizzle and epic clashes of will along the way to make sure you stay fully invested and engaged as this couple’s feelings develop and their relationship evolves. Intense, suspenseful, dramatic and emotional, this book is quite simply a powerhouse workout for your heart. I adored it! Of my own accord I am posting a sincere review.
Cyrus and Ivy had a wonderful dark and a bit twisted love story. It’s similar to a mafia romance but a little different. The story also had a bit of a Hades and Persephone vibe which I adored. Cyrus is holding his usual poker game when a jerk decides in his desperation to be his daughter Ivy to The Butcher but one look at her Cyrus knows she belongs to him even if he doesn’t want to accept it. Not a sweet fluffy romance but deep love with a bit of hate at first. I really enjoyed the book five stars.
By Tiffany
I always look forward to Ava’s books and Cyrus’s story was intriguing from the early on tease on CONCEAL.
Cyrus has been placed in a difficult situation his beliefs are being tested when a game night goes wrong and his help has been requested.
When he sees her for the first time he knows he has no choice but he has other intentions for her, intentions he must abide by. So he can complete the promise he made to himself many years ago.
Ivy’s life has been disrupted, she doesn’t know what to think. Not sure of what has happened, she’s stuck with a person she’s never met but knows the stories that linger around him.. she must stay focus to stay alive and get free once again.
Corrupt Kingdom fell a little short for me, I needed to know more about Cyrus.. to be shown more of the fear the people had of him… We just kept hearing it from himself but not really shown why they fear him so much. It’s an enjoyable read and many will love it!
My Rating: ***3/4
Type: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Crime fiction
Narration: Dual POV
Primary Characters: Cyrus & Ivy
Source: Courtesy of Author/Publisher – ARC \
This is my first book by Ava Harrision. I will be looking forward to read more of her books. Cyrus is ruthless man and he is the self-proclaimed king of corrupt kingdom. He has his own way of ruling the corrupting kingdom, his way is through managing the money of corrupt people. He is not running a private bank; he is the Bank.
Ivy is sweet and strong girl. Her father gambled her and lost, now she is supposed to be handed over to a man who trades on flesh. This happened in Cyrus watch. Cyrus took Ivy as captive and kept her in his private island. He has his own reasons. What exactly are his reasons? How does Ivy fit the bill? Will he be able to accomplish his goal through Ivy?
The emotions and attachment between Cyrus and Ivy felt natural and gradually. I liked how resistant Ivy was to his charms. Will they be able to overcome the threat that’s looming over them?
I liked the pace of the story; however, I expected more action. It felt like author rushed and skipped few chapters to finish the story in the last chapters. This is the only reason I’m rating it low. Some of the secondary characters were very intriguing. I’m not sure, if we already have a story about Matteo and Alaric, if not, I would love to know more about them. Alexander and Boris were main part of entire theme however their appearances were very little. May be more action would have made it better. Cerberus is lovely, this book isn’t complete without him
Over all, it’s a slow burn romance which contains betrayal, kidnapping, suspense, twist and slight action. It’s an enjoyable book. Go ahead and enjoy.
https://meander23.com/2020/04/17/corrupt-kingdom-by-ava-harrision/