Corrupt: A Dark College Reverse Harem

by Eve Newton

St. Augustine’s isn’t just a university. It’s where legacies are built, alliances are forged, and the people at the top make the rules, long after graduation.

They blocked me from St. Augustine’s once, but eight weeks after my father’s death, the gates opened, and my transfer into final year sailed through like it was always meant to happen. The Callaghan name still belongs here, no matter how many people want it erased.

My father is gone, the old order is shifting, and a legacy seat on the Board has opened—one that controls the ruling families and everything they touch.

The problem is, the most dangerous men here don’t hunt alone—and they’ve noticed

Aidan O’Connell: charm as a weapon, strategy as a religion.
Cormac Byrne: feral devotion with a short fuse
Declan Finnegan: the calmest threat in the room.

My dangerous allies. My leverage. My inevitable undoing. The kind of men who don’t tolerate anyone else laying a hand on what they want.

At St. Augustine’s, nothing is accidental—especially my admission.
The closer I get to my father’s vacancy, the more the institution pushes back. And when it does, it won’t be subtle. They think this place will corrupt me. They’ve got it backwards.

Because corruption isn’t my downfall.
It’s my birthright.

This is a dark reverse harem contemporary romance book 1 out of 3 in a brand new series by USA Today Bestselling Author, Eve Newton. You will come across TWs so please see inside for details.

Genres: Why Choose, Dark Romance, Dark, Secret Society, College, Romance, Contemporary

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2026

About the author

Eve is a USA Today Bestselling Author with a specialty for steamy romance with strong female leads.

She lives in the UK, with her husband and five kids, so finding the time to write is short, but definitely sweet. Eve has a number of series, both completed and on the go and hopes to release some new and exciting projects, both paranormal and contemporary in the future, so stay tuned!

Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/sinfullyde...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorEve

Eve also writes under the name S.E. Traynor

Reviews

[Samantha Bradburn]

DNFed at 0%. Wtf kind of name is Dervla?

[Sybrenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ to be honest after the first page of this book i was NERVOUS! Immediately our FMC locks eyes with one of the mmcs and gets “damp” which irritated me IMMEDIATELY because I’m like oh brotherrrr this is gonna be insta-lust, but i was SOOOO wrong. The plot in this ABSOLUTELY eats down! Like a murder mystery with an FMC who is just as badass and morally gray as the mmcs? Oh i was sat. While there was instant attraction in this book, the burn of the romance was good, and the tension in this did everything it needed to do! Our FMC is guarded (as she should be) and the mmcs show up for her time and time again and i liked how there was intimate moments with each of them. Like the plot, the tension and that cliffhanger plssss!!! I’m ready for book 2!

[tay ⋆⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

My mom taught me that if I don’t have anything nice to say I shouldn’t say anything at all.

[Rhiannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF’d at 2% as anyone who says “he made me damp” needs to get in the bin tbh

[Megan Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off with a doozie, hooking you form page one. A bad as heck FMC AND some infuriatingly handsome MMCs are just what I needed on my Friday night!

[Lisa Clostermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark RH, set in Ireland (oh those accents *fans self*), three hot and dangerous guys, one woman out for revenge and a council of overlords. This is the first book in a trilogy and boy does it kick start it with a bang. Or, at least, a shot.
Dervla wants her father’s seat at the table. The one he was killed for to make an opening. Someone else wants it as well. There is more at play here than just her father being killed, though. But will Dervla and her guys figure out what it is before they all end up shot at, attacked or worse?

[Michaella Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING: comes with all the feels

But I mean it’s Eve so come on we should know this by now.
This is a perfect stat to a dark Romanace University RH story. With the perfect amount of spice with a sprinkle or a tease or two in the mix.
In a world where women should probably be silent, she is anything but. And her men, will do anything to those who try to silence her!
Check your triggers and above all please make sure your wearing your safety harnesses because this cliffhanger is a little on the steep side!
As always, happy reading,

[Mona Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrupt

Welcome to the dark world of St. Augustine's, where nothing is to be trusted, lies are to be expected and deals are the currency. Dervla arrives thinking about revenge and finding a killer, simple right? Little does she know that nothing is simple about this place. This story will suck you in and before you know it, no more pages

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
This was fine. It is so insanely fast burn which was kind of annoying. The writing also wasn’t that good. I might continue on, but it won’t break my heart if I don’t.

[Alva Schwung · Rating 3 out of 5]

vet helt ärligt inte vad jag ska säga för vet helt ärligt inte vad som hände antingen är jag för cooked i huvudet efter den här arbetsveckan och har tappat min läsförmåga helt eller så var det ingenting som made sense? i mean i get the gist, the revenge plan and all but i don’t get the guys motives? eller kanske lite men också samtidigt inte alls och nåt i sättet den är skriven på gjorde mig typ arg för? vad är ens skillnaden mellan dessa tre? eller ok såhär jag fattar skillnaden beteendemässigt så det cancelleda ju ut hela mitt argument jag skulle göra. ger upp. den var ok. störde mig nå så fruktansvärt på något men kan inte sätta fingret på vad. den kändes ganska själlös? och om man som mig läser MYCKET av den här typen av böcker brukar man ju alltid kunna falla tillbaka på att the smut was smutting men asså inte ens det kan jag göra nu för det hela kändes SÅ rushed? fick ont i mitt egna underlig bara av att läsa det pga WHERE WAS THE PREP GUYS. omg no please. for once i’m actually begging you, DONT.

[SC Girlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

This had everything you’re looking for in reverse harem. It had connection it had trigger warnings that weren’t over the top. It had action. It had intrigued, and it had lots of steamy moments. It was really exactly what I was looking for except for some of the dialogue was a little too abstract for me like they were way too many sentences and this is an exact word for word but he talked like a dagger in the night, ruthless and commanding. The flowery language just gets to be a little bit much because people do not stay talking like that all the time but otherwise a very good story.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit. The blurb pulled me in BUT the 1 star reviews (please go read them, it’s comical) made me want to read it even more and they missed out. I was SUCKED in. Onto book 2 🙌🏼

[Bonnie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corrupt is such a strong opening to the Kings of St. Augustine’s series. The dark college setting, the power plays, and the three men are immediately gripping. I loved how quickly the tension and chemistry built, and the heroine’s determination to claim her place felt powerful. It’s steamy, intense, and left me eager for the next book

[Shamaka · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF: I Needed More Than Fragments

I hate when writers rely way too heavily on short, blunt sentences. Everything feels choppy and completely stripped of emotion. A quick remark here. A harsh description there. A low tone here. Ugh! Give me the gritty writing with the actual details.

One-word echoes of an expression, a reaction, or a situation aren’t automatically good writing. 😒 Stop telling me what something isn’t and actually tell me what it is. Give me the details. Give me the atmosphere. Give me the emotions. Let me experience the scene instead of throwing fragments at me and expecting me to fill in the blanks.

And the story itself moves WAY too fast.

She meets the guys, and suddenly they’re instantly obsessed with her. Like…what? One look and they’d unalive for her? Seriously? 😂 Can we get a little buildup here? Some thoughts. Some emotions. Some actual connection before everyone starts losing their damn minds over her?

I need to see why they want her, not just be told that they do.

And unfortunately, over 100 pages in, I was still getting the same basic thing. There wasn’t enough development or progression to keep me invested.

DNF.

The writing style alone was enough to pull me out of the story, and the lack of buildup just made it worse.

[Rebekah Zurn · Rating 3 out of 5]

ready for book 2

Seriously my only complaint is her name. DERVLA!! It’s horrible! I had to rename the poor thing
DARLA!! And that still was horrible!!
Loved the guys names though🖤🥀

[Stacey Schnars · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been corrupted...

And I love it! Derva wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and attend St. Augustine's, but she was denied, but not her father was murdered and she suddenly gets in. She goes to St. Augustine's looking for her father's murderer and finds 3 very possesive men, Aiden, Cormac, and Declan. She is cautious and trusts no one, but the three men wiggle their way under her skin because once they want something they won't stop until they have it, but is she just a piece on the chess board for everyone to move around? This is a MUST read...come on...you know you want to be corrupted too...it's fun on this side.

[Okane · Rating 2 out of 5]

AI

AI, but at least it feels like a human also worked on it! Did not finish, and don’t plan to.

[Leopardwolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, delicious and so much fun!

I cannot agree with the author enough - The guys here are villains. If you are looking for a soft and cuddly read, you will not find it in these pages. St. Augustine’s contains adult and graphic content, and reader discretion is advised. DO NOT cry to the internet when you find they are as soft as a blade and they all know how to use it!
I devoured this book, I couldn't put it down and to be honest, I didn't even try, I was gripped, enthralled, ensnared, enraptured and absolutely immersed in this book and didn't come up for air until that last word..... And then I did a loud expletive! It's so worth it!!!

[Rachel Russell · Rating 2 out of 5]

𝐈 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭, 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞. 𝐈 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈'𝐦 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞.

I started this book a couple days ago because I knew that after all the fluffy romance that I've been reading that I was going to need something dark to get me back into the grove. I saw this listed as a suggested read so I figured I would give it a go.

I've never read anything by this author before and the blurb sounded great. So I settled down to read it and then by the 30-40% mark I was really struggling because I just could not find anything in this book to get me hooked.

A reverse harem with a secret society, with enemies-to-lovers and all set in Ireland. Sounded exactly like something that I would love. But there was quite a few issues wrong for me in this book. The writing style wasn't an issue but it was the overuse of certain sentences and as for the characters I just couldn't find any kind of attachment to them.

The main FMC was called Dervla... I think I may have changed her name several times in the book to something that I could remember. I felt like I had to force myself to finish reading this because I really hate DNF a book unless I really feel like I have too. I did like Aiden, Declan and Cormac and for me they carried the book so that's why I gave it the rating I did.

I went into this book with high expectations and for this book to deliver but for me personally it just didn't. It started out good but then it kinda went downhill for me so I am sorry to say that I won't be continuing with the rest of the series.

[K books · Rating 1 out of 5]

The sentence structure of this book is the most obnoxious I’ve ever read. SO many 2-3 word sentences. “She moved. I let her” “pain flashes. Good hit” it honestly drove me insane. Complete a sentence for the love of god.

Dervla- she annoyed the shit out of me. She’s a mafia princess who grew up spoiled. Then all of a sudden she knows how to kill and plot with no real training? She’s super petty, rude and just not interesting.

Aidan- I can’t help but feel like he’s going to stab her in the back. Then he shares his big plan and now it’s all gravy?

Declan- I didn’t really get him. The amount of descriptions written about him “observing, always watching” was ridiculous. We get it.

Cormac- actually the only guy who seemed interesting and authentic.

There really is no plot. Some big mystery? Mafia? Yeah we already know she’s mafia, or at least her dad is.

[CharmeineC · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought I was being harsh on my rating but then I went and performed a word search. "The kind of" is used 65 times in a book that has less than 300 pages. I found myself rolling my eyes every time the author used this lazy description.

"She moves like she's someone already out the door" - another sentence structure used too often. Then mixed in with one or two word sentences. "Declan turns. Fast." Instead of what could have been,"Declan makes a fast turn."

I quit at 70%.

In terms of "Dervla" she got on my nerves real fast with how many times she threatened the men with the knife. A lot of missed opportunities in this story.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. This is book 1 in the Kings of St. Augustine. Dark college RH and man did I love it. First off I love Dervla. Really loved her personality. Then we meet Aidan, Declan and Cormac. Again loved them. Storyline right from the beginning sucked me in all the way to that cliffhanger….. ugggg. I so need the next book. This one is definitely a page tuner. I desperately need the next book. Highly recommend reading.

[Claire Lilly · Rating 1 out of 5]

AI WRITTEN

Had to DNF this at 40 pages. I swear every sentence was written like a dramatic metaphor and after a while it started feeling AI-generated. I couldn’t do it anymore.

[Beth Lawley · Rating 2 out of 5]

it’s mehhhhh

Story 2/5
Spicey 3/5

Could be better can already tell it going to drag on and mess about with the story .

[Kiersten Cassel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately hooked from the very first chapter of Corrupt by Eve Newton. So many questions came to mind right away, and it instantly pulled me in. Dervla, a legacy at St. Augustine’s, transfers with only eight weeks left, and it’s clear from the start that she’s being tested to see if she truly earns her father’s seat on the board.

I loved the whole aspect of Dervla essentially having to fight for the Apex spot. She quickly becomes the focal point for anyone wanting a seat at the table, which made the stakes feel even higher, especially considering she already would have drawn attention just by transferring in as a legacy. It added a lot of tension and kept things interesting.

I really enjoyed how Dervla’s relationships with Aidan, Declan, and Cormac were fleshed out. Aidan’s was the most intriguing to me. He wants his seat back, but at the same time, he clearly wants Dervla, which created a really compelling dynamic. Declan still comes across as the kindest of the three, especially when he helps fix her hand, and I liked their interactions because they felt more genuine. Cormac also stood out in a different way. I liked how he looked out for Dervla and warned her about how cowardly some people might act toward her.

Dervla herself impressed me a lot. She was smart about how she chose her battles, which made her feel strong without being reckless.

I was also very suspicious of Roisin and the way she acted toward Dervla. There is definitely something off there, and it made me question her intentions every time she showed up.

The ending definitely left me on a cliffhanger, which only made me more excited to jump into the second book.

[Becca Haggitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corrupt by Eve Newton completely pulled me into its dark and chaotic world. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the tension, the secrets, and the intensity between the characters. The atmosphere was addictive and I found myself constantly saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly I was halfway through the book. 🖤📖

What I loved most was how emotionally charged everything felt. The relationships were messy, complicated, and full of chemistry, which made every interaction feel so addictive to read. Eve Newton did such a good job creating characters that felt flawed but still impossible not to root for.

The pacing kept me engaged the entire time, and while there were a few moments where I wanted a little more depth or answers, overall this was such an entertaining read. If you love dark romance with drama, tension, emotional twists, and characters that completely consume your thoughts, this one is definitely worth picking up. ✨🔥

I’m already thinking about these characters long after finishing, which is always the sign of a good book. 💫

[fl_art_life · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a refreshing departure from the typical FMC in a why choose romance.
Dervla is fierce, strong, unapologetic, and completely in charge of her own choices. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. At no point did I find myself questioning her agency or wondering if she was being taken advantage of. Nope. She knows her own mind, her own body, and makes her own decisions—and I absolutely loved that about her.
The plot is rich and layered, with plenty of intrigue to keep the pages turning. The spice is woven seamlessly into the story, enhancing the relationships and the tension rather than overshadowing the plot.
And yet, so many questions remain unanswered.
Then... the book just ends.
Like... wait, what?
By the final page, you still have no idea who Dervla can truly trust. Will she be betrayed? If so, by whom? Just when it feels like you're about to get answers, you're left hanging and immediately needing the next book.
Needless to say, I continued reading the series.

[Jamie Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this one was definitely a wild ride. 🖤🔥

I went into this knowing it was going to be dark, but the obsession, possessiveness, and the whole dynamic between these characters had me hooked. There were definitely moments where I was like WHAT am I reading?! 😂 but somehow I just kept turning the pages because I needed to know what was going to happen next.

I really enjoyed watching the relationships develop and seeing the different dynamics between them. There’s something about a dark romance where the characters are a little—or maybe a LOT—unhinged that just pulls me in. The tension and chemistry were definitely there, and I loved how messy everything was.

I will say there were a few parts that felt a little slow for me, which is why this landed at 4 stars, but overall I really enjoyed it. It gave me the darkness, the drama, the possessiveness, and enough chaos to keep me invested. 🖤

If you love dark college romance, reverse harem, morally gray men, obsession, possessiveness, and relationships that are anything but normal, definitely give this one a try!

[Victoria (nocturnalintimacy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited.

I struggled a little with this. I felt like I was missing half the story. I'm not talking about the cliffhanger ending, I mean the actual story.

The main character (Dervla? Darla?) is supposed to be a badass, but we only ever see her get hurt and handled. The only true characteristic that I can assign to her is angry. Later in the story she's describes as frivolous and naive, and that feels more accurate to the character on the page.

I actually liked the tension between the characters, but the devotion just seemed to come out of no where, after a single day on campus.

I just had a hard time believing this one.

[JWinter · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

This book has a decent plot, but Its not for me. I don't see why the MC is so interested in being on the board. I understand wanting to find her dads killer, but the whole board side of the plot is boring. She Love interests have all the potential to be interesting, and yet they are barely distinguishable. The MC is supposed to basically be a badass, but its never shown. The characters are supposed to be criminals in the making, but they feel more like Uni Students who think they're tough. We are told that they're scary, but its never shown.

This book honestly has the potential to be great, but its missing the mark