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Corium University #5
משטר של חירות
על מי תסמכי אם את לא יכולה לסמוך אפילו על עצמך?
כל מה שידעתי היה שקר.
כל מי שאהבתי בגד בי.
בכל מקום שאני הולכת אליו, מישהו רוצה במותי.
בדידות היא רגש שאני מכירה היטב. גם בשעתי האפלה ביותר, ידעתי שאני יכולה לסמוך רק על עצמי. עכשיו אין לי כלום, ובפעם הראשונה אי־פעם עליי להניח למישהו אחר להציל את חיי.
כל מה שידעתי היה שקר.
כל מי שאהבתי בגד בי.
בכל מקום שאני הולכת אליו, מישהו רוצה במותי.
בדידות היא רגש שאני מכירה היטב. גם בשעתי האפלה ביותר, ידעתי שאני יכולה לסמוך רק על עצמי. עכשיו אין לי כלום, ובפעם הראשונה אי־פעם עליי להניח למישהו אחר להציל את חיי.
330 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2022
349 people are currently reading
2424 people want to read
About the author
C. Hallman
132 books2,712 followersC. Hallman is a USA Today Bestselling Author who wrote her debut novel in 2018 and has since published over 100 books in various romance subgenres. Her works have been on numerous bestseller lists and have been translated into 8 languages around the world.
When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
October 20, 2025
After the disaster that were the first three books in this series, I honestly don’t know why I kept going. Curiosity? Masochism? Hope? Either way, here I am—five books deep and questioning my life choices.
Lucas Diavolo, our so-called male lead, is… how do I put this nicely? Absolutely unbearable! The man gives whiplash with how bipolar and cruel he can be. And poor Delilah—this girl has been through enough to fill ten therapy sessions, yet Lucas still finds new ways to make her life miserable. He takes out all his anger on her, and somehow she’s the one begging and fighting for their relationship. Make it make sense.
Oh, and let’s talk about the trigger warnings. There are a lot. Like, if you think you’ve seen dark, think darker. Please don’t go in blind unless emotional chaos is your comfort zone.
And just when I thought this series was finally over—plot twist! There’s another one. Apparently, now I have to read Ren & Scarlet’s story. Because clearly, I haven’t suffered enough.
Did I like it? No.
Did I devour it like a car crash I couldn’t look away from? Absolutely.
Oh and I forgot to mention how the story dragged on for 97% of the book and everything was solved in the last 20 pages.
Lucas Diavolo, our so-called male lead, is… how do I put this nicely? Absolutely unbearable! The man gives whiplash with how bipolar and cruel he can be. And poor Delilah—this girl has been through enough to fill ten therapy sessions, yet Lucas still finds new ways to make her life miserable. He takes out all his anger on her, and somehow she’s the one begging and fighting for their relationship. Make it make sense.
Oh, and let’s talk about the trigger warnings. There are a lot. Like, if you think you’ve seen dark, think darker. Please don’t go in blind unless emotional chaos is your comfort zone.
And just when I thought this series was finally over—plot twist! There’s another one. Apparently, now I have to read Ren & Scarlet’s story. Because clearly, I haven’t suffered enough.
Did I like it? No.
Did I devour it like a car crash I couldn’t look away from? Absolutely.
Oh and I forgot to mention how the story dragged on for 97% of the book and everything was solved in the last 20 pages.
August 26, 2022
The push and pull, hot and cold, love and angst in Reign of Freedom was so over the top and so very exciting to read.
Lucas and Delilah are struggling with their relationship and trying to find their footing. Lucas feels like he is not worth loving, irredeemable, and so so angry. Poor Delilah has never had the support of anyone in her life, neither family or friends, and would just love someone to care about her and love her.
This book was full of more shocking characters, people coming out of the woodwork when you least expected it, and it kept this reader glued to the pages.
I can’t wait for what happens next at Corium ❤️
Lucas and Delilah are struggling with their relationship and trying to find their footing. Lucas feels like he is not worth loving, irredeemable, and so so angry. Poor Delilah has never had the support of anyone in her life, neither family or friends, and would just love someone to care about her and love her.
This book was full of more shocking characters, people coming out of the woodwork when you least expected it, and it kept this reader glued to the pages.
I can’t wait for what happens next at Corium ❤️
August 2, 2024
Ummm very weird confusing AND RUSHED. it was kind boring to tho ngl
August 29, 2022
Impressions …
Hot, toxic romance, Lucas is a favorite antihero, so completely dominating. He’s not done with Delilah yet, but now after rescuing her, he can’t deny his attraction to her, her appeal. An angst-filled romance with a thriller theme, Delilah and Lucas are fire, push and pull, forbidden but unable to deny their compulsion for each other.
Lucas off the rails was hot to read; with his personal turmoil, his vices of street fighting, whiskey, or passionate predatory sex with Delilah or a combination were so spicy. And Delilah could hold her own despite those against her, and there were many. The story carried a bit of mafia underpinning with the Rossi and Diavolo families in the Corium U environment.
Mostly a story about the explosive relationship between Delilah and Lucas as well as Lucas’ personal battles and incendiary behavior from his past, his perception of self-worth influencing his present relationships. These ups and downs were electric, not to mention spicy 3.5/5. When Lucas let his inner beast loose … wow! Lots of mine, primal expressions of the ownership, and Delilah was strong enough to handle him, complementing his darkness. It is never really realized how Lucas overcomes his formerly unsalvageable behavior, especially since he was seeking therapy. It was sort of left unfinished, perhaps that he adapted by having Delilah in his life and being a better father to his daughter.
Medium burn, a little mystery, lots of animalistic spice, one major reveal for the next book, but anticlimactic ending, I overall enjoyed this conclusion.
Hot, toxic romance, Lucas is a favorite antihero, so completely dominating. He’s not done with Delilah yet, but now after rescuing her, he can’t deny his attraction to her, her appeal. An angst-filled romance with a thriller theme, Delilah and Lucas are fire, push and pull, forbidden but unable to deny their compulsion for each other.
Lucas off the rails was hot to read; with his personal turmoil, his vices of street fighting, whiskey, or passionate predatory sex with Delilah or a combination were so spicy. And Delilah could hold her own despite those against her, and there were many. The story carried a bit of mafia underpinning with the Rossi and Diavolo families in the Corium U environment.
Mostly a story about the explosive relationship between Delilah and Lucas as well as Lucas’ personal battles and incendiary behavior from his past, his perception of self-worth influencing his present relationships. These ups and downs were electric, not to mention spicy 3.5/5. When Lucas let his inner beast loose … wow! Lots of mine, primal expressions of the ownership, and Delilah was strong enough to handle him, complementing his darkness. It is never really realized how Lucas overcomes his formerly unsalvageable behavior, especially since he was seeking therapy. It was sort of left unfinished, perhaps that he adapted by having Delilah in his life and being a better father to his daughter.
Medium burn, a little mystery, lots of animalistic spice, one major reveal for the next book, but anticlimactic ending, I overall enjoyed this conclusion.
September 1, 2024
Well, this was so much better than the previous book
Although it still did not make sense
I mean, this university is supposed to be the safest place. So much that when D is in danger she is taken there against her will, but ppl manage to be harmed there more than outside it's walls
Second, L is supposed to be managing this esteem establishment, but when does he do it?
He is Constantly engaged in his '3 year old tantrums' and s*x with D which is the only thing calming said tantrums....
Still, his character is the best one there turning from 'I am bad and don't deserve love' to 'omg omg there are ppl that care for me' , which was nice
And D keeps true to her character of sticking to those she loves but finally having the common sense of choosing the right ones for her.
HEA with marshmallow on top to all (o.K, to most...)
3.5*
Although it still did not make sense
I mean, this university is supposed to be the safest place. So much that when D is in danger she is taken there against her will, but ppl manage to be harmed there more than outside it's walls
Second, L is supposed to be managing this esteem establishment, but when does he do it?
He is Constantly engaged in his '3 year old tantrums' and s*x with D which is the only thing calming said tantrums....
Still, his character is the best one there turning from 'I am bad and don't deserve love' to 'omg omg there are ppl that care for me' , which was nice
And D keeps true to her character of sticking to those she loves but finally having the common sense of choosing the right ones for her.
HEA with marshmallow on top to all (o.K, to most...)
3.5*
August 27, 2022
Fantastic conclusion for Delilah and Lucas ! This book was heartbreaking emotional and full of twists and turns and betrayal that I still can’t with but the ending was everything! I can’t wait for more in this series !
September 21, 2023
He was twice her age, literally referring to her as a teenager. Raped her multiple times, abuses her and tortured her while she was screaming, crying and begging him to stop. I have never read a book made for women by a woman that is so sexist towards women 💀
September 2, 2022
Delilah and Lucas were both messed up and toxic together and it made for one spectacular read 😏
October 2, 2022
I loved the trilogy starting this series so much that I jumped straight into this duet afterwards. My, what a bad surprise! How am I supposed to care about a HEA when most of the time I just want to strangle the FMC?? Call me whatever, but a FMC in any romance, even with all her flaws, must be attractive and/or smart and/or likable because she’s the one who supposedly redeems the MC in the end, not the other way around. Yet I can’t stand the FMC in this duet. I felt sympathy for her in the beginning. Then the more I read, the more I disliked her. Such a stupid, unkind, selfish, ungrateful, sorry piece of sh*t who deserves all kinds of rough treatments in the books (except at the beginning of the duet). And OMG, I couldn’t believe her opinions and attitude towards Aspen!! At first I thought she hadn’t known what Aspen had gone through. Then when I learned that she HAD EVEN WATCHED THE ENTIRE VIDEO and still acted that way, I had no words for her. It just became unforgivable to me. What the heck, b*tch?? What kind of cold blooded person that says about you?? Well, no more sympathy wasted on the FMC. Consequently, I was so disappointed in Lucas for not being able to keep it in his pants around such a pathetic human being even while his daughter should remain his no. 1 priority. If’s that’s not a betrayal, I don’t know what is. This is not a healthy chemistry. It’s more like a toxic obsession.
I ended up skimming most of the book, even skipped & sneered at the sexy parts (that I usually enjoy). It’s not a problem with the writing. It’s the problem with the plot and the main characters. I hope next time the authors will do better than come up with such a horrible/shitty FMC. Two stars are for the presence of Q&A in this duet. However, I removed the downloads right after rolling my eyes at the epilogue (that the FMC definitely DID NOT deserve). If she appears again in Ren’s story, I will throw the rest of the series away.
(Sorry, I’ve just finished the duet and really needed to vent my frustrations)
I ended up skimming most of the book, even skipped & sneered at the sexy parts (that I usually enjoy). It’s not a problem with the writing. It’s the problem with the plot and the main characters. I hope next time the authors will do better than come up with such a horrible/shitty FMC. Two stars are for the presence of Q&A in this duet. However, I removed the downloads right after rolling my eyes at the epilogue (that the FMC definitely DID NOT deserve). If she appears again in Ren’s story, I will throw the rest of the series away.
(Sorry, I’ve just finished the duet and really needed to vent my frustrations)
October 15, 2022
Couldn’t get into it
As a fan of the series I really tried to like this book but I couldn’t get into it.
Delilah still annoyed me as a character and I don’t get how Lucas or Aspen could forgive her. Yes near the end she finally showed some growth but not enough for me to care about her.
Lucas was such a let down as a character. He was just angry and childish showing no real growth. Even his lack of support of Aspen or pushing away Delilah was annoying. The whole return of Charlotte made no real sense as I felt it did nothing for the storyline.
I did like the epilogue scene with the families together. These are the things I like to see in a 2nd gen book.
Once again I’m wondering where is Nic and Celia’s kid 🤔
And the only thing I will say about Ren is that it has to be related to Luna’s safety. I will read his book and hope it’s better than this.
As a fan of the series I really tried to like this book but I couldn’t get into it.
Delilah still annoyed me as a character and I don’t get how Lucas or Aspen could forgive her. Yes near the end she finally showed some growth but not enough for me to care about her.
Lucas was such a let down as a character. He was just angry and childish showing no real growth. Even his lack of support of Aspen or pushing away Delilah was annoying. The whole return of Charlotte made no real sense as I felt it did nothing for the storyline.
I did like the epilogue scene with the families together. These are the things I like to see in a 2nd gen book.
Once again I’m wondering where is Nic and Celia’s kid 🤔
And the only thing I will say about Ren is that it has to be related to Luna’s safety. I will read his book and hope it’s better than this.
October 29, 2022
Desperately needing it to be Vito’s Book 😭
Update:
I said that when I thought the book before it was a standalone, now I wish for the book to continue after the cliffhanger!!!
Lots of things were disliked by my side, overall glad it finished here, still red flagged it and am uncomfortable with it, love the care taking and most of the scenes the basis of the relationship didn’t sit well with me and continued to haunt me throughout the storyline.
Update:
I said that when I thought the book before it was a standalone, now I wish for the book to continue after the cliffhanger!!!
Lots of things were disliked by my side, overall glad it finished here, still red flagged it and am uncomfortable with it, love the care taking and most of the scenes the basis of the relationship didn’t sit well with me and continued to haunt me throughout the storyline.
August 26, 2022
4.75⭐️
I didn’t realize how much I needed Lucas and Delilah’s story! I enjoyed every minute of this book. I wish there was another book following these characters. I need more from them. Hopefully we will see more of them in Ren’s story! I can’t wait for the next installment of this series! Highly recommend! Check TW
I didn’t realize how much I needed Lucas and Delilah’s story! I enjoyed every minute of this book. I wish there was another book following these characters. I need more from them. Hopefully we will see more of them in Ren’s story! I can’t wait for the next installment of this series! Highly recommend! Check TW
February 20, 2024
1⭐️ 5🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
¡Qué libro de mierda! Si tienen la oportunidad de leerlo, no lo lean. No va a ningún lado, los conflictos se solucionan en dos páginas, los personajes no tienen personalidad o los pinta con una que no tienen. Decidí abandonar este libro, tan malo que me daba sueño.
Pd:Me cago toda la saga
¡Qué libro de mierda! Si tienen la oportunidad de leerlo, no lo lean. No va a ningún lado, los conflictos se solucionan en dos páginas, los personajes no tienen personalidad o los pinta con una que no tienen. Decidí abandonar este libro, tan malo que me daba sueño.
Pd:Me cago toda la saga
January 17, 2025
Idk if it's because of the writing but this got kind of repetitive anywho giving it a polite 3 stars out of 5
December 3, 2022
The chemistry was lacking between the two. they both are using each other and lucas is like oh, Aspen, my daughter but still he doesn't give a shit about her.
February 20, 2023
This book is the 5th in this series and follows the relationship between Delilah and Lucas. This book picks up right from where the last finished and I feel that you must read these books in order to follow the story.
Lucas is having a tough time in his mind and he doesn't think he deserves the love of this beautiful woman. After all he has been through his mind is all over the place personally and professionally. He is very dominating and he never backs down. After he did everything in his power to rescue Del he tries to ignore the major attraction between them both. Delilah is a very very strong woman and she can take a lot from these men but she also cant deny the toxic relationship she has with the love of her life.
I have loved this series right from the very first book and the twists, the turns and real shockers throughout the reader wont see coming that will shock the hell out of the reader. This book is sizzling hot and the angst is of the charts. If you love enemies to lovers, mafia romance and forbidden romance then you will love this epic series, I absolutely love how these tow author writes because they captivate you right from the start with the characters that they write. This book will pull at your emotions at times but you will be glad that you read these books.
Lucas is having a tough time in his mind and he doesn't think he deserves the love of this beautiful woman. After all he has been through his mind is all over the place personally and professionally. He is very dominating and he never backs down. After he did everything in his power to rescue Del he tries to ignore the major attraction between them both. Delilah is a very very strong woman and she can take a lot from these men but she also cant deny the toxic relationship she has with the love of her life.
I have loved this series right from the very first book and the twists, the turns and real shockers throughout the reader wont see coming that will shock the hell out of the reader. This book is sizzling hot and the angst is of the charts. If you love enemies to lovers, mafia romance and forbidden romance then you will love this epic series, I absolutely love how these tow author writes because they captivate you right from the start with the characters that they write. This book will pull at your emotions at times but you will be glad that you read these books.
July 15, 2024
I've never hated a couple more. Maybe not as much as the many fucking unanswered plots are being shoved down your throat.
Lucas was the least desirable MC I've read this year. Def top 3 of all the books I've read. This piece of shit couldn't even be used as an organic fertilizer. He was a goddamn cluster, childish, chaotic, and insecure, to name a few. Major fucking turn off. I'd rather have night paralysis while getting fingered fucked by Freddy. Ok, maybe he's in the top 2.
I can't even get into the character that is Delilah. Even with all that happened to her, I couldn't find it in me to care about her. She could have been a doorstop with all that she brought to the table. These two books didn't have to be this long. The editing continues to be shit, but I'm used to it now.
I'm gonna continue cuz I see it's not this couple again. Update: It's just a novella about the first couple in the Corium series. PASS
Lucas was the least desirable MC I've read this year. Def top 3 of all the books I've read. This piece of shit couldn't even be used as an organic fertilizer. He was a goddamn cluster, childish, chaotic, and insecure, to name a few. Major fucking turn off. I'd rather have night paralysis while getting fingered fucked by Freddy. Ok, maybe he's in the top 2.
I can't even get into the character that is Delilah. Even with all that happened to her, I couldn't find it in me to care about her. She could have been a doorstop with all that she brought to the table. These two books didn't have to be this long. The editing continues to be shit, but I'm used to it now.
I'm gonna continue cuz I see it's not this couple again. Update: It's just a novella about the first couple in the Corium series. PASS
September 11, 2022
4.75 ⭐️ Wow, I love this author duo!! Wasn’t sure I was going to like Lucas’ book because usually I’m not a huge fan of age gap but he was 🥵 my god… JL Beck & C Hallman are seriously a force to be reckoned with when they write together, like they put crack in their books or something because damn I could not put this one down. Looooved seeing Q and Aspen, again I’m obsessed with them and how far they have come <3 But let’s talk about Ren real quick…. He was my fav in King of Corium and they did NOT need to do him dirty like that 😭 I’m so excited to read his book and see why he did what he did towards the end of this book. Loooooove him & loved this book!!
August 28, 2022
I am going to preface this by saying I love this series
The overarching plot running through all the books is great and this one is no exception however this is my least favourite book of the series.
I have gone from loving Lucas to having a strong dislike of his character. Delilah & Lucas just didn’t connect with me in this one, I’m honestly not sure why, maybe it was just my mood at the time of reading. Do not let that stop from from picking this up though, as I said the continuing story is 👌
The overarching plot running through all the books is great and this one is no exception however this is my least favourite book of the series.
I have gone from loving Lucas to having a strong dislike of his character. Delilah & Lucas just didn’t connect with me in this one, I’m honestly not sure why, maybe it was just my mood at the time of reading. Do not let that stop from from picking this up though, as I said the continuing story is 👌
August 29, 2022
Sad do see Lucas and Delilah’s story end but so excited to read Ren’s story!
So I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and 🌶🌶🌶🌶 on the spice! It was really good and if you have read any of J.L Beck & C.Hallmans books befor you KNOW you will nog be disappointed🙌🏻🤩
So plz dig in to this juicy story, U will LOVE it👏🏻❤️
So I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and 🌶🌶🌶🌶 on the spice! It was really good and if you have read any of J.L Beck & C.Hallmans books befor you KNOW you will nog be disappointed🙌🏻🤩
So plz dig in to this juicy story, U will LOVE it👏🏻❤️
July 21, 2024
3.5⭐️
המוח שלי התפוצץ!
הסוף פשוט לא קרה! אני באמת עדיין בהלם!
אני לא מאמינה שהסופרת עשתה לי דבר כזה!!! ה-ל-ם!
לוקאס פשוט סמאש מטורף! לוהט ופסיכי!
אם חשבתי שקווינטון משוגע אז לוקאס לוקח אותו בכיס הקטן שלו!
זה לא סוד שאני אוהבת את הטרופ של פער גילים ולוקאס הוא אחת הסיבות למה אני אוהבת את הטרופ הזה.
הוא פשוט גבר אלפא בכל דרך אפשרית, דלילה המשיכה לעצבן אותי אבל הצלחתי איכשהו לחבב אותה יותר, כן היו רגעים שהלב שלי יצא אליה אבל היא גם קצת אהבלה🤣 תמיד מוצאת רגע לא טוב להופיע ואז מוצאת את עצמה בצרות צרורות.
לוקאס הוא גבר שמנסה להסתיר את העובדה שהוא מרגיש, שאכפת לו ודלילה מצליחה להכניס לו אור בתוך החושך שהוא חי.
אהבתי ממש את הדואט, אומנם היה פחות מהטוב מהטרילוגיה . כן היו לי ציפיות יותר גדולות אבל שוב אהבתי את הדמויות ואת המלחמות שלהן.
אני עדיין בהלם מהקליף האנגר שהסופרת הכניסה בסוף ואני חייבת אבל חייבת את הספר של רן בהקדם האפשרי!
המוח שלי התפוצץ!
הסוף פשוט לא קרה! אני באמת עדיין בהלם!
אני לא מאמינה שהסופרת עשתה לי דבר כזה!!! ה-ל-ם!
לוקאס פשוט סמאש מטורף! לוהט ופסיכי!
אם חשבתי שקווינטון משוגע אז לוקאס לוקח אותו בכיס הקטן שלו!
זה לא סוד שאני אוהבת את הטרופ של פער גילים ולוקאס הוא אחת הסיבות למה אני אוהבת את הטרופ הזה.
הוא פשוט גבר אלפא בכל דרך אפשרית, דלילה המשיכה לעצבן אותי אבל הצלחתי איכשהו לחבב אותה יותר, כן היו רגעים שהלב שלי יצא אליה אבל היא גם קצת אהבלה🤣 תמיד מוצאת רגע לא טוב להופיע ואז מוצאת את עצמה בצרות צרורות.
לוקאס הוא גבר שמנסה להסתיר את העובדה שהוא מרגיש, שאכפת לו ודלילה מצליחה להכניס לו אור בתוך החושך שהוא חי.
אהבתי ממש את הדואט, אומנם היה פחות מהטוב מהטרילוגיה . כן היו לי ציפיות יותר גדולות אבל שוב אהבתי את הדמויות ואת המלחמות שלהן.
אני עדיין בהלם מהקליף האנגר שהסופרת הכניסה בסוף ואני חייבת אבל חייבת את הספר של רן בהקדם האפשרי!
August 6, 2024
*ೃ༄ book 126
March 9, 2023
I’m sad this series is over! I really loved it. The first 3 books were better, but I still enjoyed book 4 and 5. Lucas and Delilah’s relationship grows more throughout this book. I’m still a little irritated by Delilah’s character. I don’t know why but she just bugs me.
I didn’t vibe with the characters as much in this book. I still couldn’t stop reading it though. I’m glad there was a HEA! I definitely want to learn more about Ren since the way this book ended. I highly recommend this series! Just please check the trigger warnings before reading.
I didn’t vibe with the characters as much in this book. I still couldn’t stop reading it though. I’m glad there was a HEA! I definitely want to learn more about Ren since the way this book ended. I highly recommend this series! Just please check the trigger warnings before reading.
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December 25, 2022I liked the first book in the series, finished the trilogy (though annoyed by a few scenes) within a few days. But it got harder to continue with Lucas and Delilah. Trilogy took less than a week to read. This duet took over a month and lots of skimming because I just wanted to know how it ended.
At some point, I was convinced the authors had no idea what was happening, just throwing in everything to reach the endpoint. Some things just didn't make sense. What was the purpose of Charlotte's return? And that stunt with Ren? Lol.
The first three books were way better.
At some point, I was convinced the authors had no idea what was happening, just throwing in everything to reach the endpoint. Some things just didn't make sense. What was the purpose of Charlotte's return? And that stunt with Ren? Lol.
The first three books were way better.
September 7, 2022
Lucas and Delilah’s story didn’t work for me. There was no romance. The guy was crazy, raped her, hurt her and treated her like shit. No chemistry between them. Didn’t get the love story in this one. I don’t mind dark stories. I actually enjoy them but this one was not dark. It was just bad. Didn’t like the couple either
September 7, 2022
Ugh. I swear the writing got worse and worse.
August 24, 2022
This book concludes the story of Lucas and Delilah and picks up right where the story left off in Ruins of Temptation. Delilah has found herself in a very dangerous situation which while Lucas very much wants to be the one to ride in and rescue Delilah ultimately it’s up to Delilah to save herself.
For all of the initial set up of Delilah being in such a vulnerable position being at Nathanial Brookshire’s very sick clutches ultimately this story does focus the emotional relationship between Lucas and Delilah. Wow what a ride that was, it’s clear that both are very broken souls drawn to the darkness within each other which can be quite toxic and feeding off that sometimes to the detriment of good sense and good decision making especially in Lucas’ case.
Lucas is so wrapped up in the past and his destructive coping mechanisms, his internal struggles were heartbreaking to read. Though that being said he definitely needed a kick up the arse and a whack to the head to maybe get some sense knocked into him. Though it’s fair to say I did feel for Lucas although he’s a very dangerous man used to looking after himself now he’s got others who rely on him and dare I say it even love him. Lucas has lived a life where he’s wary of love and commitment he had a very traumatic early life and why invest in that if there’s no guarantee of tomorrow. But now there Aspen and Delilah and a whole load of others that actually have meaning for him now. That’s probably more scary than facing all of the dangerous situations he’s been in put together! For a very powerful man with such low self esteem and the demons he has to wrestle with on a daily basis I admired how ultimately by accepting the love and support of his family and not forgetting Dr Lauren that Lucas is able to dig in and move forward and not not let the darkness totally consume him. Even if he gets the fright of his life with a blast from the past when the dead don’t stay dead and dealing with the consequences could have derailed everything that has any meaning for him.
Delilah definitely grew on me, by all around her she was painted as the instigator of death and destruction when really she was just a pawn in some very sick mens games. Kept in poverty and then sold by her father to a very depraved man it’s only natural that she would latch onto Nash the only one to show her even an ounce of ‘love’. Everyone who was supposed to protect her let Delilah down even her ‘Aunt’. But Delilah definitely stood up for not only herself but Lucas as well. She knows their relationship is all kinds of wrong at times but relationships are messy and she absolutely will not give up without a fight. I love that despite what she’s been through that she actually still cares and absolutely fights for what she believes in even if that does put her at odds with some very dangerous people and places herself in very precarious situations. It’s clear that a lot of people are extremely unhappy that Delilah and Lucas are together. It would make life so much easier for everyone if this wasn’t the case but this has been one hard fought relationship that neither is willing to give up on.
This was one fast paced and engrossing story, more relationship focused but with action as well. The character development was great even the secondary characters with such a depth to the story that you get lost in the twists and turns. The story is quite dark at times but I don’t think this is gratuitous rather it enhances the storytelling as it fits with what the characters are going through.
Mmmm that twist at the end no nope no I just did not see that coming and I don’t want see that as a betrayal but…..Ren’s story cannot come soon enough.
I know it’s time to say goodbye to Corium University but please can we see some stories of the other characters sometime soon! I’d highly recommend this book, I loved every minute of it.
I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For all of the initial set up of Delilah being in such a vulnerable position being at Nathanial Brookshire’s very sick clutches ultimately this story does focus the emotional relationship between Lucas and Delilah. Wow what a ride that was, it’s clear that both are very broken souls drawn to the darkness within each other which can be quite toxic and feeding off that sometimes to the detriment of good sense and good decision making especially in Lucas’ case.
Lucas is so wrapped up in the past and his destructive coping mechanisms, his internal struggles were heartbreaking to read. Though that being said he definitely needed a kick up the arse and a whack to the head to maybe get some sense knocked into him. Though it’s fair to say I did feel for Lucas although he’s a very dangerous man used to looking after himself now he’s got others who rely on him and dare I say it even love him. Lucas has lived a life where he’s wary of love and commitment he had a very traumatic early life and why invest in that if there’s no guarantee of tomorrow. But now there Aspen and Delilah and a whole load of others that actually have meaning for him now. That’s probably more scary than facing all of the dangerous situations he’s been in put together! For a very powerful man with such low self esteem and the demons he has to wrestle with on a daily basis I admired how ultimately by accepting the love and support of his family and not forgetting Dr Lauren that Lucas is able to dig in and move forward and not not let the darkness totally consume him. Even if he gets the fright of his life with a blast from the past when the dead don’t stay dead and dealing with the consequences could have derailed everything that has any meaning for him.
Delilah definitely grew on me, by all around her she was painted as the instigator of death and destruction when really she was just a pawn in some very sick mens games. Kept in poverty and then sold by her father to a very depraved man it’s only natural that she would latch onto Nash the only one to show her even an ounce of ‘love’. Everyone who was supposed to protect her let Delilah down even her ‘Aunt’. But Delilah definitely stood up for not only herself but Lucas as well. She knows their relationship is all kinds of wrong at times but relationships are messy and she absolutely will not give up without a fight. I love that despite what she’s been through that she actually still cares and absolutely fights for what she believes in even if that does put her at odds with some very dangerous people and places herself in very precarious situations. It’s clear that a lot of people are extremely unhappy that Delilah and Lucas are together. It would make life so much easier for everyone if this wasn’t the case but this has been one hard fought relationship that neither is willing to give up on.
This was one fast paced and engrossing story, more relationship focused but with action as well. The character development was great even the secondary characters with such a depth to the story that you get lost in the twists and turns. The story is quite dark at times but I don’t think this is gratuitous rather it enhances the storytelling as it fits with what the characters are going through.
Mmmm that twist at the end no nope no I just did not see that coming and I don’t want see that as a betrayal but…..Ren’s story cannot come soon enough.
I know it’s time to say goodbye to Corium University but please can we see some stories of the other characters sometime soon! I’d highly recommend this book, I loved every minute of it.
I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2022
Reign Of Freedom is book five in the Corium University series and concludes the duet about Lucas and Delilah. It is a dark romance with triggers that might upset some readers. We were left on a cliffhanger with Delilah going from one horrendous situation straight into another and Lucas shell shocked over her leaving Corium. Now they will have to fight their inner demons and their enemies to find a way to be together while both staying alive.
Lucas is on a downward spiral while he tries to cope with everything in his personal life while trying to run the university. He constantly fights his protective feelings towards Delilah because he should be concentrating on developing a relationship with his daughter. By being together they are breaking all the rules but their connection and attraction to each other is all consuming. Lucas questions himself over how he thinks he can protect Delilah when he couldn’t keep Aspen safe. Would it be a betrayal to Aspen if he gave into his feelings for Delilah. The odds are stacked against them and the repercussions of helping Delilah could be dire but she is such a temptation.
Delilah has lived a lonely life and I really felt sorry that she’s never had anyone she could count on. Everyone has lied to her, taken advantage or let her down and never given her a chance. I could understand how she felt safe with Lucas because he seems the only person who cares even after everything that happened between them. She should hate him but somehow he sees her as a person and not the enemy like everyone else. She can’t stay away from him even though his way of showing he cares is painful. She knows deep down he is a good man even when he shows her his dark side.
Lucas is struggling to work out a way out of the darkness he feels and how to vent all his anger without returning to his destructive habits of drinking, fighting and hurting people. Violence is his coping mechanism and how he battle his demons. There is so much rage inside him that he feels he is past saving. He knows it is selfish to want Delilah but he finds a peace with her he has never known before. He is losing control because Delilah has become an obsession and he feels guilty over the way he uses her and knows he’s supposed to be better than that these days.
“How do you see any kind of light in me? All I see is darkness, but you keep finding the good.”
Delilah wants to show him they both deserve good things for once and together they can turn things around. She sees a different side to Lucas and realises they are both broken so is determined they will heal together. She lets him take his anger out on her and use her. The pain turns to pleasure and when their rage against each other consumes them, there is so much passion and fire. She has to show him that he can’t get rid of her that easily, even if he hurts and tries to push her away.
There a numerous shocking events for both of them as they navigate the ups and downs of fighting their feelings and finding a safe way to be together. Lucas has to deal with someone attacking his students as well as trying to keep Delilah alive. Then his past comes back and opens old wounds. There is a bombshell of a revelation at the end which sets the next book up nicely. We find out that Touch Of Hate is going to be about betrayal and forbidden love involving the Rossi family.
Lucas is on a downward spiral while he tries to cope with everything in his personal life while trying to run the university. He constantly fights his protective feelings towards Delilah because he should be concentrating on developing a relationship with his daughter. By being together they are breaking all the rules but their connection and attraction to each other is all consuming. Lucas questions himself over how he thinks he can protect Delilah when he couldn’t keep Aspen safe. Would it be a betrayal to Aspen if he gave into his feelings for Delilah. The odds are stacked against them and the repercussions of helping Delilah could be dire but she is such a temptation.
Delilah has lived a lonely life and I really felt sorry that she’s never had anyone she could count on. Everyone has lied to her, taken advantage or let her down and never given her a chance. I could understand how she felt safe with Lucas because he seems the only person who cares even after everything that happened between them. She should hate him but somehow he sees her as a person and not the enemy like everyone else. She can’t stay away from him even though his way of showing he cares is painful. She knows deep down he is a good man even when he shows her his dark side.
Lucas is struggling to work out a way out of the darkness he feels and how to vent all his anger without returning to his destructive habits of drinking, fighting and hurting people. Violence is his coping mechanism and how he battle his demons. There is so much rage inside him that he feels he is past saving. He knows it is selfish to want Delilah but he finds a peace with her he has never known before. He is losing control because Delilah has become an obsession and he feels guilty over the way he uses her and knows he’s supposed to be better than that these days.
“How do you see any kind of light in me? All I see is darkness, but you keep finding the good.”
Delilah wants to show him they both deserve good things for once and together they can turn things around. She sees a different side to Lucas and realises they are both broken so is determined they will heal together. She lets him take his anger out on her and use her. The pain turns to pleasure and when their rage against each other consumes them, there is so much passion and fire. She has to show him that he can’t get rid of her that easily, even if he hurts and tries to push her away.
There a numerous shocking events for both of them as they navigate the ups and downs of fighting their feelings and finding a safe way to be together. Lucas has to deal with someone attacking his students as well as trying to keep Delilah alive. Then his past comes back and opens old wounds. There is a bombshell of a revelation at the end which sets the next book up nicely. We find out that Touch Of Hate is going to be about betrayal and forbidden love involving the Rossi family.
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November 21, 2022hated this book even more than the previous one. thought it might get better like aspen and Q’s second book but no …. every character ,well except aspen who’s too much trusting and forgiving, is not at all good. Lucas takes dark character to another level , he fucks her whenever he wants and she clearly doesn’t mind if she wants it or not.he pushes delilah away soo many times but she comes running back to him like a lost puppy with abandonment issues. i’m very familiar with the concept of dark romance, i’ve read other dark romance books too and i’ve no problem with all the things that happen in the book but delilah is just plain bland. she had same thing with nash , he was the only one who showed her love and affection and she never wanted to leave him even if he was fucked up. Same is the case with her when it comes to lucas , she lost everyone and lucas just said some words to make her feel better , fucked her however he wanted then discarded her and still she came running back to him. Like soo many times he told her this couldn’t work … it just passed from her one ear to another and out. Lucas is toxic but if delilah just had a little bit of backbone and made him earn her … i would have liked the book.
The other characters were bad too like didn’t they learn from aspen’s time that never to judge without knowing the whole story. They hated delilah for killing nash’s father without knowing what had really happened. Almost all of them wanted her dead. like wtf did she do to you. Like all of them really wanted her dead but no good effort was made you know. a few small attacks here and there but that’s just it🤷🏻♀️ Xander wanted her to be killed as soon as possible but still didn’t do anything about it. Then there is aspen’s mother who suddenly appeared like she was not dead for so many years.
Atleast he was right in firing lucas from the job..
Then there is this whole Ren situation and his famous help of providing helicopter rides. for aspen we know he wanted to kill her but why did her provide her helicopter ride to go after lucas. I honestly was expecting some helicopter bomb or malfunction like in the other book but nothing happened. then i was expecting that maybe she might get attacked while away from corium , might be his plan since everybody wanted her to die , but still nothing happened. Then there is his situation with pushing Q , Aspen down the stairs…. but he’s getting his own book about his own revenge 🤷🏻♀️ i hope his book be better than 3rd and 4th
The other characters were bad too like didn’t they learn from aspen’s time that never to judge without knowing the whole story. They hated delilah for killing nash’s father without knowing what had really happened. Almost all of them wanted her dead. like wtf did she do to you. Like all of them really wanted her dead but no good effort was made you know. a few small attacks here and there but that’s just it🤷🏻♀️ Xander wanted her to be killed as soon as possible but still didn’t do anything about it. Then there is aspen’s mother who suddenly appeared like she was not dead for so many years.
Atleast he was right in firing lucas from the job..
Then there is this whole Ren situation and his famous help of providing helicopter rides. for aspen we know he wanted to kill her but why did her provide her helicopter ride to go after lucas. I honestly was expecting some helicopter bomb or malfunction like in the other book but nothing happened. then i was expecting that maybe she might get attacked while away from corium , might be his plan since everybody wanted her to die , but still nothing happened. Then there is his situation with pushing Q , Aspen down the stairs…. but he’s getting his own book about his own revenge 🤷🏻♀️ i hope his book be better than 3rd and 4th
January 17, 2023
5⭐️ 4🌶️
Okay, okay, you got me. I'm here. I've finally arrived. I am SOLD. This was a fantastic ending to this Corium University duet and I'm finally all in on Lucas and Delilah. While I hated both of them throughout a majority of this book, I absolutely loved to hate them. They're such broken, complex characters and while they were up and down several times as this progressed, when they finally reunited for the last time and confessed how they truly felt, I definitely had some tears in my eyes and a huge sigh of relief.
D: "You're not evil. You're not a lost cause. And I know you're only pushing me away because you think it's for the best. Not because you don't actually care about me."
L: "Are you sure about that?"
D: "Are you? Tell me you don't love me."
L: "I don't love you."
D: "Now tell me the truth."
Delilah was always capable and cunning--we've seen it in her dealings with Nash, Marcel, and Preston. Even when she was playing into their hands with her naivety, she was always resilient and able to get herself out of tough situations. To finally see her handle herself with her head high and the idea that she would no longer take shit from anyone, in this case Nathaniel, was refreshing and ultimately the character growth I was craving. To see her finally go after what she wanted with Lucas and break down his walls was the cherry on top.
"I promise, Delilah. I'll come back to you, and I'll kill anyone who touches you. Do you understand me?"
Seeing Lucas finally accept himself, what he truly wants, and who he truly wants completed his character arc for me. I loved the possessive side we saw whenever Delilah was threatened and him finally owning this at the end of the book and firmly placing her into his life, rather than keeping her as his dirty little secret was what I was craving. I really enjoyed getting his backstory with Charlotte as well and can't wait to see how he fits into future Corium University story arcs after knowing how he ends this one.
As always, there was underlying mystery, intrigue, twists, and turns throughout this book and it really set up the next book. I was floored when the shoe dropped at the end and Brittany swept in with the big reveal (we’re 5 books in and I still love her). I'm absolutely obsessed with this world and I'll be diving into Touch of Hate as soon as possible, quickly followed by the Diavolo Duet.
Okay, okay, you got me. I'm here. I've finally arrived. I am SOLD. This was a fantastic ending to this Corium University duet and I'm finally all in on Lucas and Delilah. While I hated both of them throughout a majority of this book, I absolutely loved to hate them. They're such broken, complex characters and while they were up and down several times as this progressed, when they finally reunited for the last time and confessed how they truly felt, I definitely had some tears in my eyes and a huge sigh of relief.
D: "You're not evil. You're not a lost cause. And I know you're only pushing me away because you think it's for the best. Not because you don't actually care about me."
L: "Are you sure about that?"
D: "Are you? Tell me you don't love me."
L: "I don't love you."
D: "Now tell me the truth."
Delilah was always capable and cunning--we've seen it in her dealings with Nash, Marcel, and Preston. Even when she was playing into their hands with her naivety, she was always resilient and able to get herself out of tough situations. To finally see her handle herself with her head high and the idea that she would no longer take shit from anyone, in this case Nathaniel, was refreshing and ultimately the character growth I was craving. To see her finally go after what she wanted with Lucas and break down his walls was the cherry on top.
"I promise, Delilah. I'll come back to you, and I'll kill anyone who touches you. Do you understand me?"
Seeing Lucas finally accept himself, what he truly wants, and who he truly wants completed his character arc for me. I loved the possessive side we saw whenever Delilah was threatened and him finally owning this at the end of the book and firmly placing her into his life, rather than keeping her as his dirty little secret was what I was craving. I really enjoyed getting his backstory with Charlotte as well and can't wait to see how he fits into future Corium University story arcs after knowing how he ends this one.
As always, there was underlying mystery, intrigue, twists, and turns throughout this book and it really set up the next book. I was floored when the shoe dropped at the end and Brittany swept in with the big reveal (we’re 5 books in and I still love her). I'm absolutely obsessed with this world and I'll be diving into Touch of Hate as soon as possible, quickly followed by the Diavolo Duet.
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