Corrupt (Devil's Night #1)

Ok, I like twists and turns but damn Penelope upped the ante on this one and threw down a winning hand. It's been a while since I've been hit with a book hang over but Corrupt sure has me feeling like I've crawled out of the wrong side of a tequila bottle. Basically you know it was trouble, you knew even after one taste you needed more and next thing you know it's the next morning and your paying for it. That is what Corrupt has done to me with each and every page turned, I couldn't stop I needed more. This is a dark read but a silver lining shines through even if it's tarnished a bit. I'm almost speechless at how this book has left me, I want more. Brilliant job Penelope!

Corrupt (Penelope Douglas) is a standalone, dark romance, dual point of view alternating present and past.

Michael is handsome, strong, popular and completely intimating. He is a popular, pro basketball player and untouchable to Rika. Michael has a close bromance relationship with his 3 partners in crime since high school. They are the Four Horesemen. Their bond is unbreakable. Three years ago while they were still in high school, Rika put Michael’s three friends in prison and now that they are free, they want revenge on her.

Rika is sweet, innocent, and sheltered. She has a crush on her boyfriend’s brother Michael for years. She follows him around like a lost puppy but Michael treated her with indifference, borderline hatred. After broken up with her boyfriend she moved to college just happened to be in the same town where Michael lives. She wanted to move on with her life but cannot seem to get away from Michael now. Rika started to fall for Michael again. To complicated thing, Rika ex-boyfriend Trevor thinks she belongs to him still. Now, you’ve got the Four Horseman and their hidden agenda, the crazy ex-boyfriend, and a revenge brewing – Rika does not stand a chance.

“Beware the fury of a patient man”

Hooollly crap!!!! Corrupt is definitely a dark romance. Seriously, I was sweating bullets the whole time. Between the black hoodies, the masks, the messages left, and people lurking around at every corner my heart was beating out of my chest. Warning – the way Rika was being tossed around, the rough sex and the hazing - it was hard to swallow … I see controversial reviews coming... :)
All I will say is: you really have to go into this book with an open mind. Corrupt is the first book I read from this author. Ms. Penelope knows exactly how to write a compelling, mysterious, and totally twisted plot. Man, it was HOT and steamy too. I am not a big fan of certain sex scenes but I was hooked from the beginning until the end. I have to stop several times and remind myself to breathe because this story is fast pace, full of surprises and absolutely thrilling.

“We have a problem. You weren’t invited into my bed, and you came in here without permission.”

I enjoyed Corrupt because I haven’t read this type of story before. It was a bit disturbing but different. I say this book is NOT for the fainted heart but if you can keep an open mind – read it!
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4 STARS

Holy Shiitake Mushrooms!

This book is amazing... and so different from anything I have ever read.

I not usually one to enjoy "darker" reads. But being that this written by Penelope Douglas I took a chance and boy am I happy I did.

This book made me FEEL. I was at times uncomfortable, I felt dirty reading/listening to Pen's words. I loathed the characters at time, felt sad for them. I ran the gamut of emotions.

This is not an easy story to read. It's suspenseful and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's the story that makes to fear the dark.

I both read the ebook and listened the audio and highly recommend both. I cannot wait to read the end installment in the Devil's Night saga...

Holy freaking 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!!

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!!

Beginning of the book had me questioning whether i really wanted to keep reading it, but its Penelope Douglas so of course i kept reading. Definitely not your average romance. Book had me hooked and im incredibly happy i finished it, and pushed through the crazyness in the first half. I hope Douglas continues the series with Kai and Wills story next.

"The rules, the restraints, the expectations, and what was considered acceptable were things that held me back, but they were all things of other people’s design."

Douglas, Penelope (2015-11-15). Corrupt (Kindle Locations 6957-6958). Penelope Douglas LLC. Kindle Edition.

Mind. Blown.

This book...WOW. It is my first Penelope Douglas book, but it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed the complex characters and the vast array of emotions that she manages to extract from her reader. The characters heart was racing, and so was mine! The anticipation. The suspense. From the beginning to the very last word, I waited with my breath trapped in my lungs to see what would happen next. Just when I thought the thrill was over, I discovered how wrong I could be!

If you are on the fence, just buy it. It's completely brilliant.

"The closer you got to anything beautiful, the less beautiful it became. Allure was in the mystery, not the appearance."

"Own who you are."

"I loved the anticipation of just being around him."

"You're in everything."

"I enjoyed the fear of the silent darkness."

"I liked the way my heart pounded harder, and I loved the way my senese were sharper when I was scared."

"Such a beautiful little monster."

"Our scrapes and bruises, tattoos, scars, smiles, and wrinkles told our stories, and I didn't want a pristine piece of wallpaper. I wanted her and everything she was."

"I had no clue what she and I were. All I knew was that we were the same."

"I don't win by playing your games. I win by making you play mine."

"She was always there, and it was always us."

Oh Holy S***.. This book was WOW.. I absoutly loved everything about this book.. Penelope knows just how to write a absoutly amazing character(s).. I sooooo loved Michael and Erika (rika)... I loved Kia too... I want a Kia... I hope we get a Kia book.. (pretty please) and Will was awesome too.. Even for a time I liked Damon.. There is just sooooo much that goes on in this book.. it keeps you on your toes..or the edge of your seat.. The things these guys do TO and WITH Rika.. WOW...

Michael, Damon, Kai and Will made up the Four Horsemen. They owned the town and on devils night, they raised hell.. Damon, Kia and Will were all off in college and Michael was fulfilling his dream playing for the NBA.. But every year they always returned for their annual night of mayhem.
Rika has always been a good girl.. doing what she has been told.. but she was determined to break out of her routine and her comfort zone. So when the boys show back up in town.. she feels the pull.. she wants to go.. wants to be apart of it. She somehow finangles her way (whihout being noticed)into their night of hell raising and into the sex doungon of the catacombs with Michael...

This book goes from present to past.. so you get the lead up as to why the guys have it out for Rika..

This book gave me the chills the entire time I was reading it.. AND I am telling you this now.. This books is dark.. there may be some triggers that some may not like.. be forwarned when reading this.

AND THAT SAUNA SCENE.. WOW!!! I know alot of people have probably mentioned it but seriously... Yes Please...

My two star rating is due, mostly, to the repeated acceptance of abusive behavior, by the heroine. I also felt manipulated by the bit by bit disclosure of past actions that lead to some characters spending time in prison. I don't recommend this book, and won't be continuing the series.

I truly liked this book, fight for yourself, own who you are mentality is rare to see. Crist would not back down from that. The one thing that irritated me and other readers was Rika forgave too easily. I felt with how her character grew there should have been more anger, more fight. I mean what they did to her, regardless of her love for him, she should have made them work for it. Repay the sins. It felt rushed. Other than that three rest of the book was phenomenal.

First time reading this author and let me tell you I couldn't put the book down. Poor rika she lost her father to soon and her mother ain't handling it at all well she needs to put her big girl panties and get control of herself and be there for her child. She been threw a lot with people she trusted and sucks when they betrayed you without asking first. Micheal needs to get his thinking straight instead of taking his anger on others for his father woes and behavior. I'm glad he notice what he had in front of him but I was really rooting for kia .

Another top book from Penelope Douglas!! The question i ask myself is why did I take so long to read it?? If its on your TBR list - then bump it to the top!!!!

I absolutely loved, loved this book!! I was addicted once I started and could not put it down!! Book hangover worthy for sure!! Some of the scenes - OMG oh so hot!!
I can't wait for the rest of the books in the series!! Love your work Penelope and thanks for bringing us yet another amazing story!!

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
When I began reading this book, I thought I was really going to like it. The writing was great, the plot was awesome. The thing that ruined this book for me was the main characters. Not only was Michael a controlling, self-righteous, bigot who pushed Erika around, but Erika allowed herself to be treated like garbage. What kind of a heroine is that?! He spoke to her as if she were a nuisance throughout most of the book. What irritated me most though was when the horsemen found out that Erika had nothing to do with the videos being leaked, Michael still had the audacity not to apologize to Erika for basically treating her like shit. And after that, Erika acted as if Michael didn't play a huge role in her tormenting and had crazy hot sex with him! Erika was Michael's lap dog and answered to his beck and calls obediently. I love when the female character fights back and has a sassy personality. Erika was WEAK. I was shaking my head and getting irritated with the main characters throughout the book. The only reason I finished the whole book is because I don't like to leave a book unread. This is the second book I've read by Penelope Douglas, and I was surprised by this book because I really enjoyed her other book "birthday girl". This is just my opinion. Hey, you may enjoy it more than I did. You'll never know unless you read it for yourself. Read at your own risk :)

This was my first book by Penelope Douglas, but it definitely won't be my last. I didn't really know what to expect when I started this, but I loved how twisted and dark it was. I loved the alternating timelines, which kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what actually went down in the past that was driving the character's motivations in the present. I love how unique Rika and Michael are as a couple, and I kind of wanted more of them once all was said and done. I just found out that this will be the first book in a series, and I seriously can't wait to read more!

WARNING do not read this review because I may reveal some things that may be taken as spoilers..... I'm going try my best not to.

I seriously loved this book. I think I need super, ridiculously messed up situations to keep my interests anymore. This book consumed me and had my heart racing from the get go. This book has stirred some controversy due to some of the issues in it. Here's the deal, there is some wicked s*it in this book. There's a lot of really shi*ty actions that go on. However, I rate my books on how much I fell into them. And I freaking devoured this one. If you are sensitive about certain activities you may not like it. But I did. I loved it. I also love other books that I shouldn't. But this made my day because I fell into this world and didn't leave until the final page. When am author can do that, I am grateful.

This is a dark read. Do not be fooled. Wonderfully written, but dark none the less. There is violence, graphic scenes, sexual assault, and revenge.
There is also love, heart break, and absolute. There is also a menage scene (mmf).
This is the story of so many faucets it's hard to zone in on just one. Wonderful flow, and a truly astounding group of characters. I do not recommend for the weak of heart, but for everyone else it's a must read!

So, I was really excited about this book. Really. November 9? What's that? This was my must read for November. I liked it a lot too. I loved the guys in the book. I though they were really developed and thought out. I loved their bond. I hope we get more on them in the future. Lots more! But I gave this book 4 stars...it's probably more like 3.5 for me and Rika is why. Spoilers from here on out-

After the guys push her around and they find out the truth, she just forgives them? What? They literally told her she would basically be their slave... And she's all "let's play Michael." Nooooo. Women hold grudges. They don't forget! It was one huge misunderstanding but the guys took it way too far for her to just move on.

And the steam room scene? I didn't mind it. But, what I did mind was there was no discussion after the fact between Rika and Michael or Michael and Kai.

I think I'm the end, things were just *too* perfect. And I know an author can't win here because people love HEAs. Pen wrapped it up in pretty paper and put a bow on it... I think it should have been wrapped in newspaper. It was a very messy story. Life just doesn't come together like that.

Katie story line with twists and turns, deceit, lust and danger. just when you think you know what is happening, bam your wrong and we have another exciting twist.
Michael, sexy brooding, scary and all alpha. He can intimidate the scariest of people and his favorite thing to torture? Rika.
She is scared but not really she is strong but hides it. She craves to be free of her cage and Michael is the one that makes her feel freer than ever.
Penelope gives a story of love and torture like no other,hillbillies are always shocked when. The one they love to push around pushes back. In this story Penelope gives us just that a story of love and deceit. a story that will surely pull you in to the corrupted lives of those that think they are above it all
Passion, and steam, Penelope Douglas..... WOW!!!

I like it but I feel the characters relationships are all so weird. Their character traits are contradictory. And there are some events that I feel were thrown in for shock value. They were all so quick to judge and turn on each other after jumping to conclusions. Rika was weak. She forgave and forgot within minutes of learning life altering information. Not sure I'm keen on that. The story line was well written and different.

This was a REALLY enjoyable story. It had me addicted from the very beginning to the end. Juicy story with extremely hot scenes. I had to put it down and take a breather. I read this is 2 days, it's unputdownable. The four horseman are so tempting and exciting.

Corrupt book had me continuously guessing.

Penelope Douglas did a great job of integrating past and present, delaying the reader's understanding of the past, and how those actions will affect the futures of all involved.

I would definitely recommend Corrupt to anyone that I know, including those who don't read romance. This was the first book I've been excited to read in months, pulling me in and encouraging me to talk about the characters like they're real people. Who doesn't love when a book drags you in, begging you to come back and read one more word-- one more chapter? If you're looking for a book to keep you intrigued, buy this!

This book, this book, this book!!!!! I've waited so long and I was definitely not disappointed. There were so many twists and turns, so many moments where I almost threw my phone on the floor in shock. The boys, I hated them, and I loved them, they were just the right mix of recklessly bad and surprisingly sweet. Well 3 out of 4 of them but I'll let you form your own opinions about the last one. And Rika, I really liked her, she was bold and strong and she went after what she wanted in a way I'm sure most people wish they could. This book was so amazing, a tiny bit scary, and a whole lot of sexy. And the best part about reading it was that it kept me hooked until the very last word. It was everything I've ever wanted and more. I was definitely corrupted after finishing this story, in the best ways possible!

Wow, what a story. What an intense, CORRUPT, mind f@@@ of a book, and I absolutely loved it. Did not know where this story was going to go the whole time. Loved and hated these characters, esp Michael. What a hurt soul. You just wanted to hold him and tell him it would and could all be ok. Then he would open his mouth and you would hate him, but then you loved him all the same. This book was totally different than any book I've read. Very intense and edgy. But there was an underlining sweetest too and it just sucked you right in. I feel there is and should be more too Rika and Michaels story. Maybe a little more "light" in their story!! An awesome read. I loved it Penelope!!!!

First book read by Penelope Douglas and will be giving her other books a go too.

Corrupt is a complicated read and you need to be alert because the chapters switch between the present & the past very frequently.

I did enjoy this book, I guessed who did it very early on but this did not spoil the story for me, I loved the dark kinky side to Michael but felt he should have been older, he acted and came across a well matured experienced man.

Erika ~ Rika was a feisty female who knew what she wanted to gain out of life and went after it regardless.

This book had everything in it! And I mean everything! Suspense, manipulation, love, jealousy, envy, challenges, dares, crimes, etc.

I couldn’t get enough of this book! I absolutely loved it. I loved all the characters even the ones we suppose to hate as they all have a purpose. I don’t know Penelope is making a Damon story that should be interesting considering they way it ended.

Corrupt is a dark romance…seriously, dark. But oh, so good!! Rika has secretly loved Michael for years, but was pushed together with his brother instead. Michael shows no interest in Rika, until one night he takes her along with him and his friends for a night of mischief. Michael and his friends are the town’s golden boys, practically untouchable. Rika jumps at the chance, but things go badly. Things happen (I can’t tell you what because I don’t want to spoil the mystery). Three years pass and the boys return for revenge…on Rika. What develops is a mysterious story of love, hate, misplaced blame and revenge…lots and lots of revenge. Oh, and there is a deep, dark, forbidden romance, because it wouldn’t be a Penelope Douglas novel without a bit of dark romance and angry sex.

I'm absolutely in love with EVERYTHING Penelope Douglas writes!
Penelope has her pulse on today's young adult antics.. antics that cross the line from young naive minors to mature teens dealing with very adult situations. (sex, drugs, violence, social stigmas, etc)

I have a love/hate relationship with spoilers in reviews so I wont give anything away here other than to say if you liked the Falling away series, you will LOVE this book!!!!!

Corrupt is the story of mistaken information and the how our past actions can haunt us well into the future. She loved him for as long as she can remember. He chose to not put her on his radar. They crash together causing more carnage then ever intended!

PS: The playlist doesn't disappoint as usual!

Holy hotness this book is unbelievable. Once again I absolutely love Penelope's work and she clearly did not disappoint with Corrupt. After so many teasers these past few months I was so excited to finally be able to read the book and Omg did it go above and beyond what I had expected. I loved Michael's dark character and Rika's stubbornness to be independent. So many twist and turns throughout the book had me putting my Kindle down a few times before rushing back to continue reading because the suspense was killing me. I truly hope that this will become a series because I need another dose of Michael and Kai.... I definitely recommend this book because I think everyone should experience that sauna scene... OMG (and by experience I mean book wise not literally lol)

My favorite book of this year. I have been waiting impatiently for this book ever since she announced it and shared the blurb, I stalked all social media platforms looking for teasers, pictures, anything 'Corrupt' you name it. It was the best foreplay and when the date approached slowly but surely I was waiting with bated breath, heart racing couldnt wait to one click and see it downloaded on my kindle. From page one I felt like I was in another world, one I've never been to before and I wanted to discover every corner, every crevice. The story is intense, the characters complex and I for one love that Penelope's heroines are strong willed and won't take crap from anyone. I am so thankful she decided to write this story, that she stepped out of the box, bent the rules and just went for it. Penelope, thank you for bringing this story to life and having a twisted mind. I wanna live in there forever. I cant wait to see what you have in store next and I hope its dark.. I will follow you there ?

One of the many ah ha moments this author reveals in this amazing story. This thoughtful author challenges acceptable mainstream moralist ideas and made those character s real people. "walking in their shoes". Provoking thoughtful consideration on so many levels along with a story about love and compassion in it's many shades and human nature. ALL I CAN SAY IS WELL DONE! Penelope Douglas is a gifted writer and one that you can't go wrong buying her books.
Ms Douglas please tell Damon's, Kai's and Will's story-I'm hooked!!

Wholly Crap! I think this has corrupted me!
When Rika heads to the big city for college, she's finally on her own. Away from her mother, her boyfriend and his over bearing family. But that's what Michael wanted.
For three years he's watched and waited for this moment. Payback. Revenge drives him and his friends; instead of driving her away into the abyss. She falls right into his heart.
I loved this intense ride on the dark side!

This story was awful! There is nothing "corrupt" about any of these people - they are simply mean, rotten brats. Not one character had any real depth; their thin personalities were strait up aggravating. The main female character is so weak! She whines and complains the whole dang book! She fawns and obsesses over the lead male character her whole life, even though the whole time he treats her like dirt. She's treated like such absolute crap by him and his lowlife friends and she STILL wags her tail at him like a desperate dog in heat. The main male character is a grotesque, self-centered prick, who is just not likable at all! Even after all is said and done - he still treats her like crap and she still has no backbone. Truly this book deserves one star, but I gave an extra star because the author has good grammar, an acceptable vocabulary, and a couple decent sex scenes. I had a very hard time making myself finish this one. I will never buy another book by this author again.

So ever since I read Birthday Girl, Penelope has won my devotion. She is my new go-to-author. I know any book I choose to read by Penelope Douglas will be amazing and have everything I crave! Love, love, loved Corrupt. I think Penelope may have corrupted me a bit... The sauna scene was hott. Never thought I would say that!!

Surprise!, you never know what an author is capable of unless you continue to read their work. I was shocked and awed. It was different, bold and more than what I was used to from Penelope, but it was well written with enough twists to keep me reading. Although others may not appreciate what it took to write this, I did. Different, but a talented kind of different. Read this, you may enjoy being Corrupted.

Words can not explain how much I liked this book, it gave me anxiety ?. I read some of the reviews and I almost didn't read it, I had it sitting in my kindle for awhile before I read it. I could not put this book down, if you are looking for something different to read that has a little bit of everything then you should read this book. It keeps you on the edge of your seat.

This is now my favorite read of 2015!!! This book deserves a lot more than 5 stars!!! I haven't read anything else by Penelope Douglas but, after reading this, I can conclude this woman is a freaking GENIUS! Corrupt will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Full of suspense, twists, turns, and some very sexy scenes. I honestly had no clue what the ending was going to be like and I loved that. Erika may seem weak but, that girl is stronger than you think. Michael, Kai, Will, and Damon were phenomenal. I know this is a stand alone but, I hope Kai gets his own book because he definitely needs one!!

This book was absolutely amazing! It captured every emotion possible and kept my attention from start to finish. I spent over an hour searching the store for a book that would be Soul clenching. I wanted a darker romance that would rip my heart open. I was not disappointed in the least. This book was so well put together that I read it from start to finish in one sitting. I was hooked from the first page!

Loved this! I liked the time jumps, kept me guessing what had happened. The characters were great, definitely a love/hate with the guys. Very hot and dark and twisted. Great tone/vibe to the book, set the mood well. Kept me awake when I should have been sleeping, couldn't wait to see where it was all leading! A new favorite! Highly recommend, not for those that don't like a little darkness and kink

I was so intrigued from the beginning. Where was this going ?! What happened?! Why were the guys so mad ....

It gets creepy, and weird. And sad. And close to devastating ... And my eyes hurt because I just couldn't stop reading.

There is no cliffhanger and this is a stand-Alone ... but I will admit that Kai needs a book, which would give us more of Rika and Michael.