Corrupt Saint

The Terlizzis #0.5

by Cora Kent

My father wants to cement my future reign with a marriage.
But I am not a man who follows paths laid out by others.
I will carve my own legacy. I will write my own history.

Corrupt Saint takes place months before the start of Ruthless Sinner, with haunting flashbacks into Dante and Adalina's dark past.

When revenge collides with coincidence, no one is safe.
Note: Corrupt Saint sets the scene for Dante and Adalina's relationship in Ruthless Sinner.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Novella, Dark, Contemporary, Abuse, Contemporary Romance

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2024

About the author

Cora Kent fell for her first villain before she even knew what romance was. Ever since Scar was denied a happily ever after, she’s been on a mission to give all the dark, dangerous anti-heroes the endings they deserve. If the Big Bad Wolf had swept Little Red off her feet, it might have saved the fairy tale—so that's exactly what Cora does in her novels: grants her bad boys redemption through passion, power, and the women who can handle them.

When she’s not spinning tales of morally gray heroes and forbidden desires, you’ll find her snuggled up with her cat, sipping a margarita, and watching Grey’s Anatomy.

Reviews

[CriSsStina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a short prequel, too short!!
I wanted more!! Can't wait for the full novel.

We met these two characters in Dark Obsession, the second book in the Blackmore University series, where Dante is Niccolo's brother.

I hope Adalina, together with Dante, will get her revenge against her POS / monster father 😤😤😤😭. I have a feeling I will love her character.

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" Tommaso Martinelli has hated me since the day I killed my mother coming into this world. And I suspect he’ll go on hating me until he has the guts to finish me off."
--- I hope she'll finish him off!! 😤😤😤😠💀

[Yarielle Arya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it was a nice opener for the full story, definitely think it could’ve gone a little deeper into the backstory of the main characters. But overall it was easy and fast to read and get hooked onto!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I read this Pre-Sequel after I read ruthless Sinner. Honest truth I wish I would have read this first even though it's super short it gives you more of the backstory for both the MCs. There is trigger warnings in this book because a few of chapters talk about stuff so read the warnings. But this is a good book. You get to know more and see how both of them were created to be how they are in the other book. Like I said I wish I read it before ruthless Sinner. Because I would have gotten more of a better idea of the backstory. That's what it is it's mainly the backstory for both MCs. So if you want to know more about their backstory give this book a read first.

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

- Quick Novella. Prequel to Ruthless Sinner.
- Please read TW re: Chapter 3
- Gives reader a Quick Look at Dante and Adalina’s origin story.

ALERT - SPOILER -ALERT
Dante is next in line to take over for his father, a Mafia Boss.
Adalina is the daughter of a Mafia capo, who since the day she was born, resented her existence. The love of his life, her mother, died during child birth. Her father has used her as a literal punching bag for his men to take out their frustrations along with his own. For over twenty years, his brutality only got worse - to the point where she would welcome death to just take her away so that this all stops.

Dante is told he is to marry a 16 year old girl (he is over 30 years) and he absolutely refuses. not only because she is far too young, but she also has a reputation that would make most men's skin crawl.

Dante learns about Adalina and wishes to pursue her as a possible marriage contract. His father advises against this, however Dante will do whatever he wants... Ruthless Sinner is Book 1 in The Terlizzi's Series and will be released in August. it will be Dante and Adalina's full story. It will feature dark themes, steamy scenes and mature content.

[chesirern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corrupt Saint by Cora Kent is a dark mafia novella. This is a prequel novella that sets the stage for Ruthless Sinner coming out in August. This is the backstory of how the main characters in that story meet and end up together.
Dante is next in line to be mafia boss so with that comes selected arranged marriages. He is not impressed with whom they want to set him up with he wants to pursue Adalina Adalina is the daughter of a mafia capo and has been hurt for years. This is the beginning of their story.
This is just enough to make you want that book to hurry up and to come out. I can not wait to read their story!

[Jocabed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel to *Corrupt Saint* was brief yet captivating, and it has certainly piqued my interest in the full novel. The setup was compelling, with engaging characters and a gripping premise. I’m eager to see how the story evolves and how the plot thickens in the complete book. This introduction has set a strong foundation, and I’m looking forward to exploring more of the narrative and character development in the upcoming release.

[Rikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the short novellas this by far has been the most detailed. Very curious to read the full story that follows. Seeing more in depth from Dante’s childhood and seeing what happened with Adalina to bring them together.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Destiny Cejka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mafia books are intense. This short little prequel to the series sets the tone for how Dante and Adalina grew up. At 15, Dante beat the crap out of someone so bad that his eyeball was hanging out of his socket completely. And Adalina had the crap beaten out of her constantly by her father and his men for them to get off to.

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short quick that I liked. This book gave me a taste of what's to come. I felt bad for Adalina she has been abused all her life by her father. This short story was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading this series.

[Jenn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great prelude to the book!! It sets up the intrigue and suspense that one hopes for. I can’t wait to read ruthless sinner!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly Rahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was way too short! I needed more!!

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Ruthless Sinner, this is everything I could’ve wanted and asked for as a prequel to that book. It felt so real and raw, and felt like being in the shoes of the MCs. This just pulled their story together even more and finished it with a bow on top.

[lia ♡]

no rating as it is a prequel (novella), but as having received an arc for the first book, ruthless sinners, i am definitely intrigued to see what happens between adalina and dante

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my experience, the prequel stories are vital to the background of CK's books. Great intro and now I'm ready to read Ruthless Sinner.
Please be aware of the trigger warnings for this prequel, CK's books are dark.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corrupt Saint is book 0.5, the start of a new series by Cora Kent called The Terlizzis. Dante's father wants him to marry a woman who will help him cement his legacy with his family business. However, Dante is not interested in his father's choice of wife. Dante is interested in a young woman called Adalina, who is rumoured to be mistreated by her father. The readers of Corrupt Saint will continue to follow Dante and Adalina to find out what happens.

Corrupt Saint is the first book I have read by Cora Kent. I enjoyed it, and it is an excellent start to a new series, allowing her readers to understand her characters. I enjoyed Cora Kent's writing style, which helped me engage with her characters and the plot of this book. I look forward to reading another book by Cora Kent and the next instalment of the Terlzzis series. I do like the way Cora Kent incorporates social issues into communities. I love Cora Kent's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Corrupt Saint is well-written and researched by Cora Kent. I like Cora Kent's description of the settings of Corrupt Saint, which commented on the book's plot.

Thank you to the author of my ARC in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.

[Dxnny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly could’ve just been simplified and put in book one as a prologue.

I personally didn’t like that every paragraph was spaced out and all of the Characters names were like ending in an I or hard asf to pronounce. Even their fathers are always addressed by their first names when being spoken of and it was just weird to me. It just felt very choppy and rushed.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrupt Saint is a dark mafia captive heroine romance. Corrupt Saint tells the story of Adalina and Dante. When I first read the overview for this story, it caught my attention enough to where I need to read the whole book to find out what happens between Adalina and Dante. And I’m thrilled that I was given the opportunity to read this book and learn about the main characters.

Corrupt Saint details:
Dante Terlizzi has been groomed to take over the family business. He just needs a wife. His father, Fausto Terilizzi, has a match already in mind. Unfortunately, Dante is vehemently against his choice. The girl is horrid. Maybe he can find another, better choice that will appease his father.

Adalina Martinella lives as her father's puppet. As his only heir, he refuses to give her up even for a profitable partnership. She is his to do what he wishes. Adalina just wants to get away. Her father will never let her go. What happens when the choice is taken away from him? The Marinellas are indebted to the Terlizzis. Dante is ready to do what he does best to get the payment that is owed to his family.

Review:
Corrupt Saint is an amazing prequel leading into Ruthless Sinner. When I was first reading about Adalina, I felt some sadness for her because of the way her father not only abused her but the way he used her for his own gain. Author Cora Kent did fantastic with the way she wrote Adalina and Dante’s beginning of their story. I absolutely love getting to know more about these characters, Adalina and Dante before the events in Ruthless Sinner. I found the storyline to be both entertaining and enjoyable to read. I would most definitely encourage other readers to read this prequel.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilynn Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrupt Saint is a gripping prequel to Cora Kent's Ruthless Sinner, and it delivers exactly what fans of dark mafia romance crave: tension, passion, and high stakes. The story introduces readers to Dante, a man who is not content to follow the path his father has laid out for him. He’s determined to carve his own legacy, but that ambition is complicated by a past filled with betrayal and a future that’s clouded by his need for vengeance.

This book dives deep into the emotional turmoil of Dante's character, setting the stage for his eventual, intense relationship with Adalina. The story’s pacing alternates between present events and haunting flashbacks, gradually unraveling the dark history that binds Dante and Adalina together. The tension between them is palpable, both in terms of their shared trauma and the slow-burning attraction that grows amidst the chaos.

Adalina, as the captive heroine, is central to the story, and Kent does a masterful job of balancing her vulnerability with a simmering strength. Her dynamic with Dante is complex, as they both navigate their pasts while being drawn inexorably closer to each other. The moments of vulnerability are balanced with raw, often brutal intensity, which keeps the reader on edge.

The book does an excellent job of setting up the world and emotional landscape that will be explored in *Ruthless Sinner*. There’s a sense of inevitability about the way the characters’ fates are intertwined, and the plot has several twists and turns that keep things exciting. The tension between revenge, love, and power is explored in a way that leaves you hooked, eagerly anticipating how the story will evolve.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mars Rads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was another very short prequel in the Terlizzis series by Cora Kent. This is the prequel to Ruthless Sinner, which follows Dante’s and Adalina’s story. This very short story gives us a deeper look at the background of these characters that is briefly touched on in Ruthless Sinner. It gives us a better look at how both of the MCs were raised and how their fathers shaped the people that we see in Ruthless Sinner. After reading Ruthless Sinner, we know about Dante’s forced marriage and how Adalina’s father is cruel and despises her. But with this prequel, we get to see that cruelty and we get to see the very start of that arranged marriage.

This story gives us a small glimpse of Dante’s start to rise as a power in the Terlizzi family. It shows us the beginning at the age of 16 and how his father started to groom him into being the leader of the family. This story also shows us just how deep the hatred is that Adalina’s father has for her. We get a better view of his cruelty and abuse. This novella also shows the reader the moment where Dante first learns of the arranged marriage that he fights so hard against as well as when he first begins to develop his plan involving Adalina. It gives us a better look at these two characters and some background that gives us just a little more of these characters.

This is a very short story and, if you read it before you read Ruthless Sinner, gives enough of these characters to make you want to know more of their story. There is no spice, but there is plenty in Ruthless Sinner. The purpose of this is to give just a small taste of these characters and it does an excellent job of that. I have come to really enjoy these short prequels that give a better look at the characters in these stories.

[BackwardsBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Corrupt Saint" by Cora Kent is a compelling addition to the dark romance genre, offering a blend of intrigue, intensity, and emotional complexity. The novel centres on a morally ambiguous protagonist whose journey through a labyrinth of secrets and desires is both captivating and tumultuous. Kent’s writing excels in creating a deeply flawed yet fascinating character, drawing readers into a narrative filled with tension and raw emotion.

The romance in "Corrupt Saint" is dark and twisted, yet it maintains a compelling and authentic quality. Kent skilfully explores the intricacies of obsession and redemption, crafting a relationship that is as volatile as it is captivating. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their interactions are charged with an emotional intensity that keeps readers hooked.

The plot is well-crafted with several unexpected twists that maintain a high level of suspense throughout the book. However, at times, the pacing can feel uneven, with some sections dragging while others unfold too rapidly. Despite this, the overall narrative remains engaging and thought-provoking.

Kent’s ability to delve into the darker aspects of human nature, combined with her skilful storytelling, makes "Corrupt Saint" a powerful and unforgettable read. Fans of dark romance will appreciate the novel’s depth and complexity, even if a few pacing issues slightly detract from the otherwise gripping experience. Overall, "Corrupt Saint" is a standout read that leaves a lasting impression.

[Mem DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This booked ticked a couple of firsts for me. The first book I’ve read by Cora Kent and the first time Ive had the opportunity to read a prequel novella ahead of the main story itself.
Usually, I would read a book and enjoy it enough to then move onto the 0.5 novella/bonus book for little extra bit of storyline or binge a little more in my favourite character. A side quest to the main story if you will.
I mention this, because this really contributed to my rating of this book.
This was a super-fast read, with a very small snippet of insight into the characters, but this novella got me really wanting to read Ruthless Sinner.

The taster got me curious and a little invested and honestly, I think that in itself was quite brilliant. You usually find yourself committing to a new author, diving head first into book with a hefty lot of pages – you never really know if it is going to be a flop and personally I loath to DNF a book. Now I find myself fully committed to reading onto the main story for Dante and Adalina.

On the topic of first time reads of new authors…. I have a few Cora Kents on my TBR but just haven’t had a chance to get to them yet, but I’ll definitely be puling them up the list to read sooner rather than later. From this small glimpse into her writing style, I can already tell she is my kind of author. You know those ones who you just enjoy their style, pace and tone and it just gels with your inner dialog.

~ I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion and review~

[Jani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my normal review style since this is a prequel, but I AM SO READY for Ruthless Sinner by @authorcorakent !!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟: as far as prequels go, this one did its job, because I am so excited for Ruthless Sinner!

Corrupt Saint is the prequel to Ruthless Sinner, a story that will follow Nic’s (from Dark Obsession) brother Dante and Adalina Martinelli. After reading that prequel I cannot wait for it to come out in August! Keep reading for the short snippet and run to Amazon to preorder Ruthless Sinner by Cora Kent out on August 27, 2024!

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
“I was born to inherit the family business. Father braided darkness into my soul before I spoke my first word. Adalina Martinelli is collateral. At first, I take her because her father is in debt to mine. But after one night together, she becomes my prisoner. Locked in a gilded cage, I set forth to transform her. Father wants me to marry, and I’ve found the perfect wife. She may be younger than me... She may be the daughter of our enemies... She may need stern convincing... But I will bend and break her until she agrees to my twisted guarantee of safety.”

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrupt Saint is an excellent introduction to The Terlizzis series. It provides insight into Dante Terlizzi and Adalina Martinelli’s early years, and what helped form them into the adults they became, and the violent world their father’s brought them into, and forced them to be a part of.

I enjoyed this book. The author did a great job with character development, the storyline, and world building. The plot has lots of twists and kept me guessing what would happen next. There is lots of angst, tension, toxicity, and interesting banter between the MCs and their fathers. Although the story is brutal at times, it is all in context with the characters. Some parts of the story might be shocking because of how brutal the criminal world can be. Please check the trigger warnings and skip this book if it will make you uncomfortable, rather than give it a negative review, because this is a great book. My last thought is that the author nailed it with the choice of a scary looking cover model with a dark background. It is easy to imagine the cover model as the character of Dante.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corrupt Saint is a teaser for Ruthless Sinner, a dark enemies-to-lovers mafia romance. This novella introduces readers to Dante Terlizzi and Adalina Martinelli, characters who readers may recall being introduced to in Kent's Blackmore University books.

Dante is being groomed to take over the family business. Part of his father's expectations include a suitable marriage, one which will create the appropriate ties. The girl he is supposed to marry is half his age, and has quite the reputation. He intends to choose his own bride.

Adalina is the daughter of Tommaso Martinelli, a cruel and vicious man who takes pleasure in seeing his daughter abused.

Tommaso Martinelli has hated me since the date I killed my mother coming into this world. And I suspect he'll go on hating me until he has the guts to finish me off.

It sounds like Dante might be the answer to Adalina's prayers, or perhaps she'll simply be pulled from the frying pan and find herself in the fire.

I'm definitely looking forward to reading Ruthless Sinner, coming August 2024.

[Kim Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrupt Saints is a short prequel to Ruthless Sinner, an upcoming dark mafia romance that is set in the world of the Blackmore University series. Set around Dante Terlizzi (Niccolo’s brother) and Adalina Martinelli, we first meet these two in Dark Obsession so it’s only right that we finally get a glimpse into their own story.

The short novel gives us a short preview of Dante and Adeline’s early starts, with Dante going through a rite of passage to becoming a hardened mafia man and Adalina’s abusive home life. Dante, who is next in line to take over his father’s legacy, is being forced to marry another mafia woman however he is resistant, willing to stop at any extreme to stop the union, even if it means targeting Adalina’s father and taking her as collateral.

All will be revealed in Ruthless Sinner which comes out in August so I can’t wait to see how things fall into place while these two fall in love.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not a romance novel. It is not even really a prequel, but a teaser, designed to introduce the characters and tempt the reader into reading the actual full book.
The MMC is Dante, whose father is raising him to become the leader of his Mafia family one day, partly by having him beat the everlovin tar out of people who owe the family money.
The FMC is Adalina, whose father beat the everlovin tar out of her when she was a child. Now that she’s grown, he orders his guards to beat the everlovin tar out of her. And we see the beatings. Her character is evidently destined to be a defiant punching bag. There is a scene that has on page child abuse.
None of this makes me want to read the full novel. Honestly, I don’t think it would work for anyone, unless they really enjoy violent scenes of people being abused.
I hope this book is free; there’s almost nothing to it and it would be a waste of money.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75stars-CORRUPT SAINT is a short story, a few chapters focusing on the players in Cora Kent’s contemporary, adult THE TERLIZZIS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Dante Terlizzis, and Adalina Martinelli’s introduction.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dante and Adalina) CORRUPT SAINT focuses on the early years and events that shaped our story line couple . Adalina has been used and abused by her father and his men: Dante has been raised as the heir to the Terlizzis Crime Family .Forced to marry someone he doesn’t want, Dante makes the decision to claim our story line heroine.

CORRUPT SAINT is a fast paced, short story focusing on two people raised by violent men: one forced to submit, the other forced to take charge. The premise is dark and dramatic; the characters are desperate and broken.

[Stamatina Vatikioti · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is a prequel to the new series by Cora Kent, The Terlizis...and is going to be dark mafia romance....Dark is what Cora does best and from this short story, that sets the "stage" for our main characters Dante and Adalina of Ruthless sinner, we know that she will deliver it the best way we can imagine and anticipate....

It introduces our couple, way before they meet and start their joined story. They are both children of ruthless and violent mafia men. One has to submit and the other is forced to take over the family, one is a forever prisoner of a sick (in the head) father, condemned to live in pain and torture, while the other is forced to get an arranged marriage with an unstable ruthless mafia princess...They are desperate and broken...What will happen? I wait for Ruthless sinner to find out how their story will unfold.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

This opens 15 years before Ruthless Sinner.

Dante is 15 and taken to by his father to collect on a debt and he proves is worth to the Terlizzi family.

We meet Adalina 6 months before the events of Ruthless sinner.

Adalina is met about 6 months before Ruthless Sinner. Her father is abusing her by way of telling his guards to beat her while he watches. He vows never to let her go.

Dante is 31 and supposed to marry a 16 year old he despises and has a less than stellar reputation. His father is insisting, but he wonders if he can instead take Adalina and see if that will make her father pay his debts.

This prequel gives you some insight into Dante and Adalina and I can’t wait to see what happens when they finally meet.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an introduction for RUTHLESS SINNER: A DARK MAFIA ENEMIES TO LOVERS ROMANCE (THE TERLIZZIS BOOK 1) to come out Aug. 27,2024.
I can not wait for this first of what’s to be a series.
In this we get a peek of
Adalina Martinelli as our MFC.
Tommaso Martinelli is her father. He’s a horribly cruel person who has her abused, beaten and degradated since she was five years old. Many a bone and skin was broken.

Dante Terlizzis is our thirty one year old MMC. His father, Fausto Terlizzi taught him harshly with word and fist to be the future Leader of Their Italian Mafia Family.
Southeast much is going to be happening with these two.
I CANNOT wait till this comes out…so excited! 😃.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.