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Corrupt (Devil's Night Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.2 out of 5 stars 80,988 ratings

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Douglas comes a new dark romance...

Erika

I 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 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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Product description

From the Back Cover

Dreams might be a heart’s desire, but nightmares are its obsession in the first novel of a dark romance series from New York Times bestselling author Penelope Douglas.

Erika Fane’s boyfriend's older brother is handsome, strong, and completely terrifying. The star of his college's basketball team gone pro, he's more concerned with the dirt on his shoe than he is with her. But she saw him. She heard him. The things that he did, and the deeds that he hid...

For years, Erika bit her nails, unable to look away. Now, she’s in college, but she hasn’t stopped watching him. He’s bad and the things she’s seen aren’t content to stay in her head anymore.

Because he's finally noticed her.

But Michael Crist knows the hold he has on Rika, how much she fears him. She looks down when he enters the room and stills when he’s close. He knows she thinks only of him. When Michael’s brother leaves for the military, leaving Rika alone and unprotected, he knows the opportunity is too good to be true.

Three years ago she put Michael’s friends in prison, and now they’re free.

Every last one of her nightmares is about to come true.

About the Author

A native of New Orleans, Jeremy York grew up playing music and singing long into the early morning. When a multi-band tour spirited him from the French Quarter across the country, he knew that he'd found home when he arrived in Venice, California. Always after a good story, he put his voice to work narrating audiobooks.

Penelope Douglas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Fall Away series. She earned a bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Northern Iowa and a master of science in education from Loyola University in New Orleans. Penelope lives in Las Vegas with her family.

Tatiana Sokolov narrates a variety of fiction but especially likes saucy romances. She lives in the Midwest with her menagerie of pets.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0181ONKDU
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penelope Douglas LLC (15 Nov. 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 518 pages
  • Customer reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 80,988 ratings

About the author

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Penelope Douglas
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Penelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Their books have been translated into twenty languages and include The Fall Away Series, The Devil’s Night Series, and the stand-alones, Misconduct, Punk 57, Birthday Girl, Credence, and Tryst Six Venom. Please look for The Hellbent Series, in the works now!

They live in New England with their husband and daughter.

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
80,988 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's fast-paced storyline with its many twists and turns, and find it an amazing, emotionally intense read with fantastic writing that feels real. They appreciate the character development, particularly Rika's character arc, and praise the steamy scenes and perfect spicy moments. The book maintains a dark tone throughout, with one customer noting how the sauna scene adds to the atmosphere.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

194 customers mention ‘Story quality’163 positive31 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, praising its fast-paced plot with many twists and turns, right amount of drama, and how it adds suspense to the narrative.

"...are loveable too once you get to know them more, and I absolutely loved the book playlist, I've never seen such a perfect one...." Read more

"...💀🏀💀🏀 It’s very typical dark romance, with obsessive men and some good spice (although not until about half way in)...." Read more

"...book residing in a grey area between a psychological thriller, a romantic drama or a straight-ahead dark romantic suspense; I veer to the latter and..." Read more

"Such an amazing book, love the characters and love the story! I couldn’t put it down. A must read!! Wow" Read more

182 customers mention ‘Readability’164 positive18 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with many describing it as amazing and among their favorite books of the year.

"...I absolutely loved every single page. It's a very addictive story due to the plot and the plot twists!..." Read more

"...It’s very much a normal MF book, but there are elements of sharing...." Read more

"...The leads where fantastic and each paragraph and chapter where they interacted was more explosive each time which certainly built the momentum and..." Read more

"...I did enjoy the book up until the certain point, I found the last few chapters really annoyed me but I think that is because of my personal..." Read more

90 customers mention ‘Character development’68 positive22 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, particularly Rika and Michael, with one customer noting the compelling chemistry and intrigue between the protagonists.

"...I wasn't expecting them, the characters are loveable too once you get to know them more, and I absolutely loved the book playlist, I've never seen..." Read more

"Such an amazing book, love the characters and love the story! I couldn’t put it down. A must read!! Wow" Read more

"...There was a whirlwind of emotions throughout but the characters were amazingly written, the story and plot was gripping throughout...." Read more

"...Easy to read and a good flow. The characters all need therapy but hey who doesnt." Read more

63 customers mention ‘Emotion level’46 positive17 negative

Customers find the book emotionally intense, with one customer highlighting the heart-stopping moments and another noting how it draws readers into events and consequences.

"...The book is liberating, exciting and full of the right spice! Penelope delivers again in a book that I simply could not put down!" Read more

"...For me, it’s a totally unique plot and I really enjoyed the angst and tension and build up. The sweet ending and epilogue were just the cherry on top." Read more

"One Word, INTENSE This is a real crude, cathartic, and extremely chilling story...." Read more

"Perfect mixture of angst, hate, lust and love. Highly recommend. Rika and Michaels story is one I won’t forget for a while." Read more

55 customers mention ‘Writing quality’44 positive11 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it fantastic and real, with one customer noting the author's wonderful way with words and thoughts.

"...Each character in this book was brilliantly written and I look at the prospect of reading more about each one...." Read more

"...sure that some of you will become agry, but all the rest of the book was wellwritten and with a great plot...." Read more

"...All I can say is steam room! Easy to read and a good flow. The characters all need therapy but hey who doesnt." Read more

"...I thought it was well written, and touched boundaries that may make you gasp, one of the better reads of late...." Read more

28 customers mention ‘Dark content’25 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the dark content of the book.

"...However if you like twisted, dark, crude, honest and fast paced tales, then you must download this and get ready for a wild ride!..." Read more

"...Dark and sexy, but what I hadn’t anticipated was the plot, which had me wondering what was going on and I couldn’t wait to find out...." Read more

"...it was dark and twisted and kept me on my toes the whole time with plot twists and the horsemen playing their little games;) ‘..." Read more

"...POV and shifting between the present and past, this novel was edgy, dark, intense and deliciously compelling. I loved reading every single word...." Read more

21 customers mention ‘Heat level’21 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the hot scenes in the book, particularly noting the sauna and steam room scenes.

"...And the spice! Well let’s just say that sauna scene is my favourite!! It’s very much a normal MF book, but there are elements of sharing...." Read more

"...Excitement, angst, fear, hot scenes, not so hot scenes, crazy actions......" Read more

"...Very steamy at the steamy parts too! Loved it!" Read more

"Hauntingly beautiful, hot as hell and so much fun penny D sure knows how to write morraly dark men and make you beg for it !" Read more

20 customers mention ‘Spice level’17 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the spice level of the book, particularly noting the perfect spicy scenes and steamy chemistry.

"...It’s very typical dark romance, with obsessive men and some good spice (although not until about half way in)...." Read more

"...The book is liberating, exciting and full of the right spice! Penelope delivers again in a book that I simply could not put down!" Read more

"...I loved the plot, the spice and the way things took a turn unexpectedly...." Read more

"...There are some great spice scenes. It's dual POV but mainly from Erika's..." Read more

Obsessed with this series!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Obsessed with this series!!!
Wow!!! Just wow!!! This book was confusing as hell at least in the beginning, but it kept you all the time on edge... Excitement, angst, fear, hot scenes, not so hot scenes, crazy actions... I got caught in the middle of all those emotions and i couldn't do anything else than loved it!!! It was intoxicating!!! I have many emotions that swirling inside of me and it's really so hard for me to tame the words that floating around my mind, but i will make an effort!!! First, i have to say that from the first moment that i started it, i felt restless... I was scared all the time of what will come next and my stomach was tight on knots because of the anticipation that this book was offering me... Yep, there were some points that i didn't enjoy and that i wasn't agree and i know for sure that some of you will become agry, but all the rest of the book was wellwritten and with a great plot. Erika have been raised on wealth. When she was younger, she lost her father in a car accident and from that moment her mother started to slip away from reality with the companion of alchool. Since she was a baby, Erika was surrounded by the Christ family. She and the younger brother, Trevor, were doing everything together since they were at the same age. They were best friends. But everyone around them including Trevor had the expectations that those two will end up together. But there was a complication in this plan. Erika didn't have eyes for anyone else but Michael, Trevor's older brother. Erika was in love with him all of her life, she was always aware of him and she knew everything about him... But she was and she still is invisible to him!!! Michael Christ was older by three years and his relationship with his father and his brother was non-existent. They were hating each other. Michael was different. He didn't like anybody to rule his life and he was untouchable. He did whatever he wanted and he didn't answer to nobody. He and his friends were the rulers around the town, everybody were worshipping them and nobody could stop them. They were the Four Horsemen and they enjoyed that power. Now, Rika is trying to start a new chapter in her life. She can't take anymore to do whatever the others want her to do. She wants to live far away from everyone that sheltered her and she want to succeed it in her own terms... But her decision is leaving her exposed to The Horsemen!!! They want revenge about something that happened three years ago and they are determined to ruin her for good!!! Because of her, the three of them landed on jail and it's time for payback... The good in this book is that we were all the time back and forth to time and the agony of what happened back then and what will happen after was huge. I liked that i witness the things that happened that night and with that journey to the past i learned more about the characters of the book. I won't say that i liked what they did that night. They were acting crazy, they were reckless and irrational, but i liked it. Oh, i didn't mention that that night three years before Michael cracked and took with them Erika... So, she witnessed everything and she became a part of it, but the next day in their heads she was the traitor!!! So the revenge is starting.... I will admit that i was so afraid of what will happened to Erika. Their plans of her were cruel and they didn't stop to anything. They wanted to destroy her in every level and i didn't know how i felt about that!!! Rika and Michael had big chemistry between them. They were so hot together, but they were batshit crazy both of them!!! They were playing games all the times, they were pussing each other limits but they were perfect just like that. That wasn't love, it was a constant battle!!! And all this mind games??? Gross, but i loved them!!! They corrupted each other!!!! And they corrupted me as well...
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 March 2025
    I rated this book 5*, I cant belive I didn't read this series sooner. I absolutely loved every single page. It's a very addictive story due to the plot and the plot twists! I wasn't expecting them, the characters are loveable too once you get to know them more, and I absolutely loved the book playlist, I've never seen such a perfect one.

    Rika is a lovable character, she grew on me more later in the book once I'd discovered the whole of her story relating to the Four Horsemen. Her character development isn't as drastic as others but it's there. She knows what she wants, she just needed the freedom to be able to get it.
    Michael and Kai... definitely my favourite men out of this book, I can't quite describe why but I loved reading about them and seeing their development, especially Michael and his internal war over his plans and what he truly wants.
    Damon is definitely questionable for me, I like him for his strong attitude and personality however absolutely hate his decisions even though I understand the motives.

    Chapter 25 was my absolute favourite... it was a treat to read for all the right reasons.

    I'd highly recommend this book for those who aren't put off by the triggers as some chapters in this book are dark and very heavily themed.

    Onwards to the second book! I'm addicted...
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 January 2025
    Had been meaning to read this for over a year and I’m slightly unsure about it all! I liked the intro of the world and the characters, but some of this book really dragged out. I don’t think it really got good until the last third!

    💀🏀💀🏀

    Premise:

    Rika has always been scared of but infatuated with her ex-boyfriend’s older brother Michael.

    And when she moves city for college she suddenly can’t escape him. As well as his 3 best friends who just got out of prison.

    They all blame Rika for what happened to them 3 years ago and become obsessed with her. Some in more dangerous ways than others.

    💀🏀💀🏀

    It’s very typical dark romance, with obsessive men and some good spice (although not until about half way in).

    I think the reviews are mixed on her, but I really liked Rika, for a dark romance and her age she had a good backbone! I liked the games she played back at Michael and liked in the flashbacks when they let her get her own revenge!

    And Michael is hot and I’m curious about the wider guys. I’m debating whether to pick up the next book, but Kai is kind of adorable and broken so I feel I would want to read his book at least.

    And the spice! Well let’s just say that sauna scene is my favourite!! It’s very much a normal MF book, but there are elements of sharing. For dark romance fans, the sex is rather vanilla, but with a few points with blindfolds and masks, but still fun!

    Where it fell flat for me, I think was just the pacing. And the build up for the reveal of what happened felt so drawn out!

    But I may read more of the series, let’s see!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 November 2015
    One Word,

    INTENSE

    This is a real crude, cathartic, and extremely chilling story.
    If you love straightforward plots and traditional happy endings you are best advised to avoid this book, you have been warned. However if you like twisted, dark, crude, honest and fast paced tales, then you must download this and get ready for a wild ride!

    I didn't read any of the reviews before I read this book as I knew by the blurb it was going to be different, so I didn't want anything clouding my judgement or giving me a glimpse into what I was about to read.
    I'm not keen on writing spoilers and it would present a very hard test for me to write a detailed review without giving things away.

    All I have to say is, You can't escape your fate, misunderstandings can be extremely dangerous, and regardless of what a person throws at you, if you love them with every fibre of your being, nothing will ever change that, on the contrary it will become a stronger feeling and something that will give you purpose.

    Each character in this book was brilliantly written and I look at the prospect of reading more about each one. The leads where fantastic and each paragraph and chapter where they interacted was more explosive each time which certainly built the momentum and the tension urging you on and keeping you interested. Loved having the story from both POV's.

    Movies like The Hole, The Covenant, The Count Of Monte Cristo, all have thought us what people do when seeking revenge, it eats at your soul and hinders your ability to see beyond the hate. I found this book residing in a grey area between a psychological thriller, a romantic drama or a straight-ahead dark romantic suspense; I veer to the latter and I thank the Author for making it a standalone one.

    So, can I convince you and corrupt you into giving this book a chance? I can assure you won't be disappointed.

    5 NAIL BITTING STARS! Isalovesbooks
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • m
    5.0 out of 5 stars love it
    Reviewed in Poland on 23 August 2022
    just the beginning to better parts
  • Rian
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good but…
    Reviewed in Sweden on 30 September 2024
    The book was so so so good, I loved every page however I realized like months after that the book that got delivered is not full, like you see in the book it’s suppose to be the same as hideaway (the next book in the series). Unfortunately I purchase the book months ago and just realized it.
    Customer image
    Rian
    3.0 out of 5 stars
    Good but…

    Reviewed in Sweden on 30 September 2024
    The book was so so so good, I loved every page however I realized like months after that the book that got delivered is not full, like you see in the book it’s suppose to be the same as hideaway (the next book in the series). Unfortunately I purchase the book months ago and just realized it.
    Images in this review
    Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
  • Renae O'Driscoll
    5.0 out of 5 stars I am shooketh
    Reviewed in Canada on 20 January 2021
    Okay, so first of all I just want to say this isn’t the type of book I normally read. I decided to dip my toe into the waters of this genre and this was highly recommended by female booktubers.

    I didn’t think I was going to like this at first, the young impressionable woman who sees a rich bad boy male as some sort of god is overdone. However, what I loved about this book is that I was actually really interested in the plot. There is a dual timeline and the promise of something kind of cringy hanging over things for a lot of the story.
    I think most of us can relate to the feelings one gets when they experience unrequited love. You will have to suspend your disbelief a little as the small town filthy rich families situation is a bit convient. It tends to lead to some dramatic events that are a little unrealistic, but you don’t read these things for a taste of reality do you?

    I was really invested in the female lead Rika. Throughout the story we get to see such a huge amount of character development in her. She really is everything a semi kinky feminist woman would want in a female protagonist. She starts off as an awkward teen who is trying to belong in this group of cool older guys, but she becomes a badass woman. She doesn’t let Michael or any of the guys rule her, they may harrass her but she is mentally strong. She is finding and embracing her sexuality and learning to just be who she is, regardless of the expectations of others. I really loved following her story.

    This book is part of a series so I found myself paying closer attention to the other “Horsemen” trying to figure out what their stories were. The author does a great job of making the others dynamic by giving us hints about who they are and what role they’ve played in the past story. The curiosity about the fact that the next books are all based on these guys makes me want to read more of them. My favorite side character was probably Kai, he has a moral code and keeps the others from doing anything too bad. He is also particularly tortured by his experience in jail.

    The male lead Michael is in some ways your typical bad boy gone romantic, but he also has some deep feelings that are well explored in the book. I didn’t like him at first but he grew on me.

    So yes the sex scenes are very spicy, I know you all are wondering about that. However they are well placed and make sense with the story, and I don’t think they are overdone. It reads like a soft Bdsm experience.

    So if you’re interested in a story that will keep you on your toes and also curling your toes *wink wink* or you’re curious about Dark romance like me, this is a pretty safe one to start with. I didn’t feel like there was anything terribly problematic that happened in this book.
  • Anahi O.
    5.0 out of 5 stars loved it 😍
    Reviewed in Mexico on 23 June 2023
    I thought I wasn’t going to love it as much as I did, I read a lot of reviews about it, but it’s actually a really good book, I wish she would play hard to her more, instead of giving in so quick, I HATE TREVOR and Damon, well I hope he’s character develops in a good kind of way.
  • yoneidis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Primer libro que leo de la autora y ha sido un acierto
    Reviewed in Spain on 4 December 2024
    Bueno, bueno, bueno. Si te gusta el bully romance, este es pa tí.
    Rika y los 4 jinetes. Me ha encantado ella y Michael. Will bueno, tampoco mucho que destacar. Kai ya con la escena de la cueva y la sauna… El que más curiosidad tengo es por Damon.
    La verdad es que casi todos los personajes son interesantes y la historia te atrapa.
    Medio libro en tensión por saber qué era lo que había hecho Rika exactamente para merecerse la venganza.
    Lo de Trevor ya fue la guinda del pastel. Me hubiera gustado que hubiera estado un poco más presente, para crear todavía más tensión, pero tampoco me quejo.
    Muy recomendable
    Report

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