Corrupt by Penelope Douglas is one of those books that you yearn to experience anew. The dynamic between Michael and Rika is flawlessly crafted, encompassing a captivating blend of tension, desire, and conflict. Despite the obstacles that prevent them from being together, their connection remains irresistible, leaving readers longing for more.

Penelope Douglas skillfully weaves a tale that immerses readers in a world of corruption, power struggles, and forbidden love. The intricate relationship between Michael and Rika is a testament to the author's ability to create complex and compelling characters. Their push-and-pull dynamic, filled with angst and longing, captivates readers from the very first page.

As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a web of intrigue and suspense, unable to tear themselves away. The palpable chemistry between Michael and Rika is electric, making it impossible not to root for their love to conquer all obstacles. Despite the challenges they face, their unwavering desire to be together is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

Penelope Douglas's writing style is both eloquent and evocative, painting vivid pictures in the minds of her readers. Her ability to convey emotions and create a sense of anticipation is truly remarkable. With each turn of the page, readers are transported deeper into the world she has created, eagerly devouring every word.

Corrupt is a masterfully crafted novel that combines elements of romance, suspense, and forbidden love. Penelope Douglas's ability to create relatable characters and intricate relationships is unparalleled. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating and unforgettable reading experience. Prepare to be enthralled from beginning to end.

"Corrupt" by Penelope Douglas is a dark romance novel that attempts to explore themes of obsession and forbidden attraction but ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling narrative.

The story centers around Erika Fane, who harbors an intense and somewhat unhealthy fascination with Michael Crist, her boyfriend's older brother. Michael, a college basketball star turned professional athlete, is depicted as a brooding and menacing figure. Erika's infatuation with him stems from witnessing disturbing acts and deeds that he's hidden over the years.

While the premise has the potential for an intriguing and suspenseful storyline, the execution leaves much to be desired. The narrative often feels forced and melodramatic, with characters making irrational decisions and engaging in behavior that doesn't always align with their established personalities. This lack of consistency makes it difficult for readers to fully connect with the characters and their motivations.

Furthermore, the relationship between Erika and Michael is problematic, characterized by elements of control and manipulation. The power dynamics at play are uncomfortable, and the romantic aspect of the story often feels forced and unrealistic. The development of their relationship lacks depth and authenticity, making it challenging to invest in their connection.

The pacing of the novel is uneven, with long stretches of slow development interspersed with rushed and underdeveloped plot points. The story's attempts to build tension and suspense often result in contrived and predictable outcomes, diminishing the impact of the central conflicts.

In addition, the writing style relies heavily on explicit and graphic content, which may not be to everyone's taste. While some readers may appreciate the dark and sensual elements of the story, others may find them gratuitous and unnecessary.

Overall, "Corrupt" struggles to deliver a compelling and well-rounded narrative. The character dynamics, pacing, and romantic elements leave much to be desired, making it a challenging read for those seeking a nuanced and engaging dark romance novel.

MICHAEL FUCKING CRIST!!!!
THATS MY MAN!!
I love bully romances and this is 100% one of my favorites of all time. I know it is not for everyone, so PLEASE check trigger warnings. The devils night boys are all intense, but the way Michael is obsessed with Rika. This book 100% took a turn that I did not see coming, and it will always get me every single time. This is such a fun ride and I love the time jumps from the present to the past and seeing Michael and Rikas relationship grow.

This was a great book that kept me on my toes. This follows Erika who notices her boyfriend’s older brother but her boyfriend leaves and Michael wants to protect her. This book is totally not what I expected. I have been told to be reading to be on a roller coaster because this book gets wild and honestly they were not wrong. I love Douglas’s book as their writing is just great. It’s dark so I recommend checking the warning before reading the book. I enjoyed the storyline and the conflict in this book. The pacing was fast until the end when it slowed down a bit. This book is told from both Rika and Michael’s pov.

Rika is the FMC of this book. She was well written when it came to her development but she would sometimes annoy me. I enjoyed how she was trying to build her relationships but some of her actions concerned me. Michael is not the typical boyfriend you would want but you will be a part of a ride. I liked his character as he’s morally grey and very mysterious. There are also a lot of side characters in this book but it’s not hard to keep track of them. I’m very interested to know more about Damon. The romance is the boyfriend’s older brother, enemies to lovers, and bully romance.

The ending was well done but it ends with a minor cliffhanger as so much happened to the characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see what is next for them. I love Douglas’ books and recommend them but beware of the trigger warnings!

*this book was sent to me by Berkley Publishing to give an honest review in return*

I HAVE BEGUN MY DARK ROMANCE ERA!
I WILL FIGHT TO HAVE MY STAFF PICK STICKER ON THIS AT MY STORE! NO ONE IS TAKING IT FROM ME!

Before this book, I tried one darker romance book & didn't love it, so I honestly didn't think I was a darker romance girl, UNTIL this book - it just changed everything! Tiktok had intrigued me to request it, and 'C0rrupt' by Penelope Douglas has proved it was a great decision. I couldn't put this book down; I just ATE IT UP!

Switching between the present and three years ago. We see how one situation sets off the story & ruins people's lives. Corrupt follows Erika 'Rika' Fane, who three years ago let her fascination with the four horsemen, four previous athletes from her school, include her in their town tradition, Devil's Night. They bring her into their version of Devil's Night and show her a darker side with fire, violence and fear, allowing her to taste corruption. It's everything Rika ever wanted, including their leader, Michael, but what starts as a delicious dark dream, doesn't end well because one night later, 3 of the four horsemen are sent to jail, and Rika never gets back the feeling of that night ...or Michael.
Now in a new city and starting her college life, Rika thinks everything from the past is just in the past, but all four horsemen are out & free, and they want blood. Her blood! They want to ruin her and make her life a living nightmare because she betrayed them... right?

ALSO YES! I did order the set old & new covers (this book is a new cover, coming November 7th) AND just purchased the audiobooks from Audible (Jeremy York is Chef Kiss)... basically just take my money, Penelope!

TW: sex, mention of rape, violence, possessiveness, betrayal, torment, law-breaking, drugs, alcohol, obsession, murder, assault, SA & fear.

This was so cute. People might think I'm insane for saying that about a dark romance novel that requires a lot of trigger warnings but Michael and Rika made me absolutely giddy. My biggest guilty pleasure is the push and pull, the will they won't they filled with anticipation and hope for the characters. This may not be the book for everyone with its dark themes, events and backstories but I definitely recommend it for dark romance fans.

Corrupt was my first dive into dark romance and let’s just say I never looked back…

Tropes I’d fit Corrupt into: boyfriends older brother, enemies to lovers, bad boy romance, basketball romance, idk if dark romance is a trope but dark romance, forbidden romance, return to hometown, etc.

Summary summarized: Erika is in love with her boyfriend’s older brother, but he’s never given her the time of day. Now he is… because he blames her for the past..

Corrupt frustrated me in the sense that if they have just communicated with each other, asked the right questions, this whole mess could’ve been avoided. But then again that’s the premise of the story and what keeps you hooked! That’s what made it so good to read. Corrupt had me feeling so many different emotions, right along with the main character.

I would recommend Corrupt for fans of H.D. Carlton!

Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley, and Penelope Douglas for an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I've read a couple of Penelope Douglas books in the past and this series has always been on my radar so I was so excited to get accepted for this arc. I should have done a better job researching this series and the triggers because this book was not meant for me as a reader. I don't mind dark romances but I'm not a fan of bully. The MMC is also interested in the FMC while she's still underage - there is actually a lot of things that seem to happen with underage girls in this book.

If you're interested in picking up this book, I highly encourage you to check triggers.

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The writing was fine. Apparently I’m just not a fan of bully genre and couldn’t get past that part of the plot.

This story was AMAZING! And so twisted! But soooo good. The overall plot, the pacing, fantastic! I can’t wait to put it on our BookTok table.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this Advanced Readers Copy of Corrupt by Penelope Douglas!

This has the dark romance vibes I love -- men who are crazy and possessive, tragic back stories, addictive writing, and the sauna scene? RENT FREE. Love that this sets up the rest of the series.

Posted to Goodreads and Storygraph
4⭐️

I’m obsessed, i’m addicted. This book was so freaking good I ate it up! The four horsemen are so iconic I love it. When they decided to indulge little Erika Fane, the should have known how she was going to rock their world. No matter how hard Michael tries, he will always be drawn to his Little Monster, also I love this nickname. Rika and Michael are like magnets that can’t be pulled apart. No matter how hard they try to stay apart, they will always be connected. They corrupted each other in every way possible! [ Everyone says that Damon is their favorite so I am hoping he gets much much MUCH better than he was in this book because oh my was he bad in this book. (hide spoiler)]

Favorite Quote:
“Run all you want, Little Monster. We’re faster.”

I didn't get into it and stopped after chapter 2 (7%), but I can definitely see why TikTok was loving on it. It's got the forbidden love school vibe going on.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

I'm obsessed with Michael and the boys. They are so bad, but you can see deep down just how much they are gone for the girls they can't forget. Rika has always been for Trevor, ever since she was a baby, she was his. Michael has always watched from the outside, taken with her, but when Rika betrayed the horsemen? He was done with her and now it is time to get revenge.
Rika is finally getting away from the place she grew up, trying to start her own life outside of her family's legacy. When she realizes she's still under the watch of the Crist family, she is none too happy. After the one Devil's night so long ago she hasn't spoken to Michael, but she has never once stopped wanting him.
Let the games begin.
What I really love about this book is that the women in it are so incredibly strong. They let them think the boys are in control, but then they take over. Rika is my favorite, but Alex is a force too.
Thank you to Berkley, Penelope Douglas and Netgalley for an early copy.

Loved this book, but my taste runs a bit into the darker side of romance. I can see why some people had issues with it, as there are many topics brought up that many would not agree on how they were handled. But for me? Fabulous read!

I love Penelope Douglas and her devils night series has really paved the way for the new adult genre. Read this entire series back when it was self published and I’m happy to see the books get picked up by a publisher. Corrupt is a story about love and revenge. Michael and his friends are back and ready to seek revenge against Erika who is Michaels younger brothers ex girlfriend. Erika has always a bad thing for Michael as they’ve also grown up together. When the boys were sent to jail for crimes they’ve committed, the finger was pointed at Erika and they’re seeking justice. I can’t say too much about the plot but I loved how much of a thriller this felt like. I was on the edge of my seat while reading and the spicy scenes were also a plus..

This book was absolutely riveting. After I finished, I practically ran to purchase the rest I n the series!

5 stars!

I have actually already read this book when it was self-published, but I decided to reread them as they get republished with Berkley! I love this whole series and I love Pen's writing. I feel like there is so much that I want to say but also I don't want to say anything. The chapters switch from the present to the past, and usually I'm not a fan, but Penelope wrote it sooooo well, especially when you read the rest of the series and everything starts falling into place! I wish I could read this for the first time again!

I would recommend to go in blind when reading this series, so that you don't get spoiled, but also keep in mind that these books are darker than most romance books, so look up tigger warnings if you have to.

Thank you, Berkley, for an arc of Corrupt by Penelope Douglas. This novel is the first in a series that was originally independently published. It is a dark romance, so please check the trigger warnings before picking it up.

Erika Fane has a bit of a crush -or obsession- with her ex’s older brother. Michael Crist is a handsome college basketball star and a member of the four horsemen, a group of friends who like to go around the town on Devil’s Night and terrorize the city.

Erika, who fears Michael as much as she adores him, finds herself caught up in their game of revenge. With multiple POVs and a dual timeline, this novel is compulsively readable and definitely spicy.

The plot of the novel was mid-tier, but if we’re being honest, no one is picking this up for the plot. The spice, however, delivered and was the most entertaining aspect of the novel.

It took me a while to get into this book because I felt little investment in the characters' plot, motives, and dynamics, but once I got to the halfway mark, I found myself enjoying the experience a little more. More specifically, I enjoyed Michael’s journey as a character because I felt Erika’s to be a little stagnant.

I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a dark romance, and I’ll probably continue the series.