Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - Corrupt

This is probably my first "dark romance" where the MMC really is nasty. Check your TWs for this one and don't lean into the fact it's apparently a romance. There's not much romantic about it. The relationship is toxic, possessive, bit taboo with the weird obsession with her as a child? It's a bully romance. The MCs are not nice. Content warning info:

There's some risky SA/rape scenes that get a little hairy but no actually depicted rape. You do not have enough trust in the characters to feel safe that it won't happen though

I liked Rika, she was a pretty likeable FMC considering the circumstances. My heart broke for her a couple times and no I don't think Michael did nearly enough grovelling for me personally. This was gnarly to read but gripping and intriguing.

The HEA also felt a bit forced

The twist I liked and although I didn't exactly guess it, I had an idea it was coming.

Overall, a disturbing read that was addictive, dirty and had me questioning my morals. Difficult to rate as it's the first book I've read like this where the darkness in the dark romance presents itself as toxicity in the relationship.

Content Warnings

samflowerv6's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

Unpopular opinion... I loved this book. Everyone seems to hate Michael but I really didn't. Michael and Rika were so high stakes and complicated. I really enjoyed the mystery, secrets, devils night antics and even the horsemen in all their mean bad boy glory. I found all the characters so interesting and Michael was fucked up but I couldn't help loving him. Also, maybe I just like hot guys who are a bit evil? Seems to be my type. I am a seasoned dark romance girly but this was super solid. I would definitely say it's taboo at times but what can I say, I ate it up. Even Damon, who is such an asshole..... i was having so much fun. I know it's problematic and all the men are straight up terrible. I think I have bad taste. Whatever bad things people say, are mostly right but..... I like messed up people and dark romance. I do wish Michael groveled though, Rika forgave him too easy. They should have all begged on their hands and knees. The catacombs, the mask scene and the sauna... I was sweating. RIKA SAID LETS GO TO PARIS. Rika is so real though with being in love with an asshole for her whole life and being blinded by hotness. I did like the ending and they honestly fit. I did expect her to have more of a backbone and was disappointed with her not making the boys beg but at every turn.. she folded. But this was all kinds of fucked up. Check trigger warnings. I feel mildly shameful for how much I enjoyed this. I love these freaks.

And it was October 30, the night before Halloween. Devil’s Night.

Damon Torrance, Kai Mori, Will Grayson III, and—I locked my gaze on the blood red mask covering the face of the one always in the lead a little more than the others—Michael Crist, Trevor’s older brother.

“It’s just you, Little Monster. Own it or it will own you.”

“Run all you want, Little Monster,” he said, sounding like a threat. “We’re faster.”

They were here. The Four Horsemen. They were Thunder Bay’s favorite sons, and they’d gone to high school here, graduating when I was a freshman.

As individuals we had weaknesses, but as the Horsemen we were invincible. We each brought something different to the table, and where one lacked, the others stepped in.

Three years ago, curious little Erika Fane wanted to play with the boys, so we indulged her, and she betrayed us.

“Trevor’s not my boyfriend.”
“Too bad. I like playing with shit that’s not mine.”

That’s what I admired about the Four Horsemen. They were always in control and always visible.

“You robbed your own fucking store, Rika!” Will laughed and grabbed fistfuls of my sweatshirt, shouting into my face. “You’re the fucking king, baby!”

Will started singing, then slid out of his seat, and I shook with laughter as he straddled me, giving me a lap dance to the music.

“When we used to wear the masks,” Michael said, dropping his voice to a near whisper, “you liked it, didn’t you?

“So you like the mask. You’re pretty fucking sick, aren’t you?” he teased.

“Such a beautiful little monster,” he whispered

“Because you’ve corrupted her nice and good. She’s a force now, and it won’t be long before she’s brave enough to demand what she wants. If you don’t give it to her, she’ll find someone else who will.”

THE KAI AND MICHAEL SANDWICH CHANGED LIVES!

Alexa play Monster by Skillet

Content Warnings

gloriaexcelsis's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

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pascalelf's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

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riosblu's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m conflicted. Screw men, but can I have some more of them? So many emotions, so much anger at ignorant entitled men but I couldn’t put the book down. Would I recommend this to everyone? No, but the people I would recommend it to already know who they are. To them I say, stay toxic and enjoy the shit show, I sure did.

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nineinchnails's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

i DNFed this 2 years ago so maybe it’s true what they say about distance making the heart grow fonder😭 i really liked the writing style and the book in general flows a lot better than most DR i’ve read. i’m not obsessed with the main characters but they weren’t as annoying as i expected considering the reviews. i stand by finding michael creepy tho i just find it endearing now! i think the whole motivation for the guys bullying her was kinda stupid especially with the reveal but i love OTT and ridiculous DR when it’s done well and this is a decent example of that.

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readingwithgoose's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No

2.0

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