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The highly anticipated sequel to Addison Cain's critically acclaimed series.

One claiming mark on her throat, another at her shoulder, Brenya Perin stands amidst the soft breeze above the glittering city ruled by her mate. And trembles.

She’d tried to run from her fate.
And failed.

Punishment came in the mania of her mate’s obsession, in the Commodore’s constant need for her.

In what he did to her. Twisting a pair-bond meant for two, chaining a third—a dangerous adversary with the power to destroy and desecrate her city.

Ambassador Jules Havel has committed atrocities beyond imagining, and now that she is bonded to her mate’s enigmatic prisoner, only Brenya grasps that nothing will contain the foreigner from claiming revenge against his deceitful host.

Revenge against the Commodore who thought to chain him. Revenge against her people for existing in a Dome ruled by a despot. Revenge against her for tempting his attentions, even if it was unintentionally done.

So she stands in the wind, aware that all who live under the Dome will suffer if she cannot supplicate the soulless monster calling to her from below. Unsure how to please him.

CORRUPTED is a full-length novel by USA TODAY bestselling author Addison Cain. These pages are raw, exciting, and riddled with complication and emotion.

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2021

232 people are currently reading
1941 people want to read

About the author

Addison Cain

56 books4,531 followers
USA TODAY bestselling author and Amazon Top 25 bestselling author, Addison Cain is best known for her dark romances, smoldering paranormal suspense, and twisted alien worlds. Her antiheroes are not always redeemable, her lead females stand fierce, and nothing is ever as it seems.

Deep and sometimes heart wrenching, her books are not for the faint of heart. But they are just right for those who enjoy unapologetic bad boys, aggressive alphas, and a hint of violence in a kiss.

Visit her website: addisoncain.com

Sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/AddisonCainNewsletter

Amazon: amzn.to/2ryj4LH
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/AddisonCain
Bookbub Deals: www.bookbub.com/authors/addison-cain
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/AddisonlCain/
Addison Cain’s Dark Longings Lounge Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/DarkLongingsL...

Don’t miss these exciting titles by Addison Cain!

The Golden Line

The Alpha’s Claim Series:
Born to be Bound
Born To Be Broken
Reborn
Stolen
Corrupted (coming soon)

Wren’s Song Series:
Branded
Silenced

The Irdesi Empire Series:
Sigil
Sovereign
Que (coming soon)

Cradle of Darkness
Catacombs
Cathedral
The Relic

A Trick of the Light Duet:
A Taste of Shine
A Shot in the Dark

Historical Romance:
Dark Side of the Sun

Horror:
The White Queen
Immaculate

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5 stars
823 (46%)
4 stars
456 (25%)
3 stars
265 (15%)
2 stars
87 (4%)
1 star
124 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
Profile Image for Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️.
2,088 reviews36.1k followers
purgatory
March 22, 2021
WTF?

I was about to one-click this this on release day after patiently waiting FOREVER for it to come out - until I saw in other reviews that it’s STILL not the end of the series, still ends on another cliffhanger, and still is getting more expensive...and yet contrastingly shorter as the wait between books gets even longer.

Alone, any one of these issues would be fine; but, collectively?

I’m sorry, but come ON. That’s just not cool. I’m gonna wait for the next book and its reviews to get released before deciding if this series is worth continuing. Until then, I'm content with where we left Claire and Shepherd. And if that’s the end for me, that’s fine. In other words, maybe see you in 2027.

Here's a GREAT review on this book (spoilers) and breakdown of events fabulously included:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].
1,432 reviews3,759 followers
March 22, 2021
This book is not worth your money or your time.

Cain is now just writing random shite so she can create books with words in them. She doesn't care about a cohesive plot, or consistent characters, or... anything. HOW can she justify making readers wait FOUR YEARS and charging SIX POUNDS to read a mediocre novella???

Assuming you've read the first book, I'm just going to dive straight in with all the problems I have here.

❌ First of all, Jacques's actions simply make no sense. He's a super-possessive Alpha who just... lets another man have sex with his mate? The reasoning given for this is piss-poor.

❌ Also, that man - Jules - is a Beta. I thought Betas couldn't bond with Omegas? Isn't that the ENTIRE reason they're Betas? So what gives?

❌ The plot makes absolutely no sense. I'm actually pretty pissed off about it. It's crystal clear to me that Cain doesn't really have much of a plot, so she throws in random illogical 'twists' like this to keep things fresh. If this is supposed to be some sort of Ashley Jade-esque bait-and-switch tactic, where the real hero is the secondary one, then I'll be really annoyed.

❌ I DO NOT CARE ABOUT CLAIRE AND SHEPHERD. They had an entire trilogy, why was fully half the book devoted to them? And half of the last book too! It felt like Cain knew that was the couple which catapulted her to fame, and she was cynically including them to keep readers who care about them hooked. No. Stop. If someone's story arc is finished (as theirs definitely is) let them rest. Instead, we were subjected to endless pages of Shepherd and Claire cooing at each other while secretly, behind her back, he's doing everything she hates. I HATE this because in the original trilogy, Claire was a strong heroine who didn't let Shepherd get away with his crap, but now her backbone has been liquefied.

The publishing drama is seriously making Cain one of those authors I can't justify buying, reading, or recommending. She takes YEARS between each release... and they're all tiny novellas. This one was barely 50,000 words. Meanwhile, she charges a staggering amount of money for them. Six pounds for a Kindle novella is insane - it's almost triple the price for a full-length Kindle book! It converts to about $10, I'm pretty sure, which is what I'd spend on a paper book with 300 pages. And even without the price vs length issue, her total inability to stick with a series is very frustrating. Let's have a rundown:

⤅ She has one completed series (Claire and Shepherd's).
⤅ One series, Wren's Song, where there's been no release for 2 years.
⤅ One series, Knotted, where there's been no release for 3 years.
⤅ One series, this one, where we waited 4 years for the next book.
⤅ One series, Irdesi Empire, where, wait for it... there's been no word for 5 years.

The last time she finished a series successfully was 2016. At least with GRRM, when he makes you wait, you know you're getting a well-crafted book that's hundreds of pages long. Here, we get a novella that reads like it was churned out in a month. The writing is nothing spectacular - Cain's propensity for missing the verbs out from sentences is beginning to seriously grate.

Overall

I feel seriously exhausted with this author, and I can't in good conscience tell anyone to read her books.

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Profile Image for Louisa.
22 reviews1 follower
Want to read
February 13, 2020
Becoming less and less excited about this book and Addison Cain books in general. I've never known an author to keep bringing out more and more series without ever finishing a story line. Some authors might work or two or three but that's it.
It's gotten to the stage where there seems little point in getting attached to a particular story. Only God knows when and if Cain will ever revisit it. What happened to Que? Still waiting for that coming soon book.
Profile Image for Meredith is a hot mess.
808 reviews619 followers
September 8, 2021
I'm over this.




***Update***: I cracked and bought the book. Scroll down to the bottom for detailed spoilers 👇

2.4 stars Sorry, 2 stars wasn't my honest rating. I was being generous.

Facts:

1) Cliffhanger confirmed, the next book, Devoured, is due out in a year, it is not confirmed that Devoured will be the last book in the series.

2) This book is short. 54K and that word count includes the first chapter of Branded that's in the backmatter of the book. 4 years and 7 bucks for such a short book is kinda lame. This is a good review that explains the issue most readers have with AC's publishing strategy with her series: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

***Edit***: I've seen a screenshot of AC's excuse for this book being short. It is correct that Amazon formatting can manipulate page length. Word count is the best way to check to see how long an author's book really is. It is incorrect that this book is the same length of the other books in the series. Let's take a look, word count can be viewed on Kobo. So far, this is the shortest book in the series since BtBB.

Born to Be Bound: 52K (free now, originally released @ $4.99)
Born to Be Broken: 71K (originally released @ $4.99)
Reborn: 62K (originally released @ $4.99)
Stolen: 61K (originally released @ $4.99)
Corrupted: 54K (released @ $6.99) *This is the shortest book and most expensive release from the Alpha's Claim series AC has ever had.


3) Jules bonding with Brenya makes no sense and I'm going to reread and include a quote from Born to Be Broken or whatever book where it was said that betas can't bond with Omegas. Trying to rewrite the rules in a book 5 in a series that contradicts previous world building is...I'm sorry, but it's lazy writing. *I got to chapter 9 where it's explained. Fine. It comes across as the author trying to write herself out of a corner. I don't understand how a possessive Alpha like Jacques could have shared Brenya with Jules vs. killing Jules for touching his mate. I'm struggling with this and this dynamic doesn't make sense to me.

4) The phrase mon chou was used 16 times. That's 16 times too many. I don't know how mon chou became the author's favorite French phrase to make Jacques seem French or something.

5) I have no idea or memory of who George is



***Detailed Spoilers Per Chapter Under Spoiler Tag***



Ending thoughts:
Profile Image for Georgia.
26 reviews
December 30, 2020
This author has frustrated me to no end. I don't recommend any of her series because she never finishes them. Fans have been waiting years for some of her series to be complete and in the previous Alpha's Claim series, that she did not complete the main characters story and it still ends in a cliffhanger in the 1st Alpha's Control book, you are told that their story will be completed in this series. In other words, she has bled the two series together so that you will keep buying the installments just so you can find out what actually happens to Shepard and Claire. When asked when the next installment of any of her series her answer is ALWAYS "Soon" and she had the gall to say "I will write what I want, when I want to".. .What author does that to her fans??
Profile Image for elanur.
247 reviews3 followers
March 21, 2021
Update 03/21/21
It was everything I hoped for and so much more!


Update 7/24/2019

WE HAVE A COVER 🗣🗣🗣🗣

➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖

I really need a release date 😪 loved the first one and I feel like this is going to be amazing 🔥🔥
40 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2020
So after almost three years there is a publication date. It's for march next year. I am still signed to Addison Cain's newsletter (I should probably cancel that at this point) She tried to sell it as a nice surprise and how much she likes to surprise her readers and who knows maybe it will be out tomorrow but you can buy it today and preorder. So Mrs. Cain you expect your readers to buy a book for 6!$ that we doesn't have a synopsys (in the description it's a few pargtaphs from the first chapter she already released in the first book stolen). That we don't know it's legnth. We don't know wether it's the last one or if it will have another sequel. We don't know if it will have a clifhanger. We don't know even when it will be released. So basically we don't know anything. And she expect us to buy it! For SIX US DOLLARS! we don't even know the length of it! On what basis can she justify this price to her readers when we have no information to base our decision on
Sure her writing when it's good is great but i haven't enjoyed any of her recent books. The last one i enjoyed was "immaculate" the rerelease of her story from an anthology. And a lot of authors write phenomenally and don't charge 6 dollars let alone for a book that is under 200 pages! I'm amazed and outraged by her. I used to love her but now i doubt her characters. She'll probably come out with a prequel book to this one where she will put the first third of the story for three more dollars to get more money. I am very suspicious of her and her selling tactics which i find immoral and taking advantage of her readers. She is excusing her stringing along of her readers not committing to a publication date and keeping pushing them back as fun surprises to keep us on our toes when in reality she just refuses to take responsibility on her actions and commit to her words. I am beyond disappointed. I don't appreciate your surprises addison cain and at this point i will be surprised when you will commit to something and execute it. Maybe finish one of your series? That will be a nice surprise.
Profile Image for Susan Bower.
4 reviews
April 8, 2020
Why the heck is it talking so long to come out? I loved Ms. Cain’s books, but come on, she not writing 1000 page masterpieces here. Putting out half finished book after half finished book is tiresome. Write a book, finish a book, move on to the next series don’t bounce around like a ping pong ball on crack. And when your fans ask you when a book is coming out, don’t say “Sooooooon” it makes you look incompetent.
Honestly I’m done with this author, aside from this series all her books are pure crap anyway.
Profile Image for Niki {Still a Widow but reading more}.
809 reviews345 followers
Want to read
March 19, 2021
You know after waiting over 3 years, I can only vaguely remember what the last one was about. I remember Brenya getting raped against a wall when Jaques first smells/meets her. Treating her like crap enough that she wants to run away. Then when she tries to steal Shepard's Beta #2's (it's been so long I can't remember his name) ship she gets foiled and bitten by said #2 and possibly Jaques. It's all fuzzy since it's been SOOOOO Long ago!!

I remember a year ago when AC put it up on Amazon with a release date of 3/21/21 and saying in her newsletter that it was just a place holder kind of thing so people could preorder it and it could come out as a surprise anytime. Surprise!!! I guess she had to stick to this date and actually produce a book.

I think I will wait until it's out to see what the REAL reviews are before dropping $7 bucks on it (for that price it better be over 300 pages, I'm talking Gone with the Wind length and depth here). I already refuse to buy or read any of her newer books until the series is finished. I'm not patient enough to wait years and years. I think AC has done a real disservice to herself, her business, and her fans by ping-ponging around so much and not finishing series sooner.
Profile Image for J.
21 reviews
December 17, 2021
November 10th, 2017: Waiting on the release date but I'm sure it'll be interesting.
December 9th, 2018: Still waiting for it lmao
March 24th, 2019: Ah man I'm still waiting and still no release date. It's been a looooong time.
July 27th, 2019: Well I'm glad we now have a cover image! Bring on the release date baby! Ima ready for ya!
September 22nd, 2019: I hope this book is bible thick, please please please the suspenseeeeeee!
November 29th, 2020: I just wanted to update to say that I am happy that Cain has been active lately and I complete respect her and am happy with whenever this book gets published. I just want her to know I am excited for her next piece of writing and am still supporting her ♡ I hope everyone is excited but also respectful of the creator of this world!
January 24th, 2019: Fans, we need to understand that she has a life of her own and that she will release whatever she feels like. I wouldn't hold it against her for not publishing the finish product of this because of how impatient we've been. Let's just hope for the best okay guys?
March 29th, 2020: Just checked this and the publication date reads a hopeful March 21st 2021. Let's hope and see!
August 22, 2020: With the new info that has come to light about Cain's lawsuit it makes sense why this book has been dragged out. Perhaps with all of that finished, this release date will hopefully be shortened. If not then I am at least happy that she will know some peace. That's probably why she has published short novellas rather than longer pieces because she was being copied, or didn't have time to release amid being threatened. On a positive note we have a lovely synopsis and I think that has been updated recently!
March 21, 2021: I was happy this came out but saddened that it wasn't the finale. I've enjoyed the books in this series but it was a bit short for my liking. I supported her, and I still think she is talented but this book was a bit lackluster for my taste. It took me a while to revisit this review because I thought people were being harsh in other reviews. It wasn't her best, but taking it as far in other reviews isn't my style. Thanks for the story Addison Cain. I hope things become easier because it was clear this book was a product of stress, and writers block. Take it easy! There are fans hoping to see you write from your heart once again.
1 review
September 24, 2019
If we're being honest I only started this series to find out what happened to Shepherd and Claire. I hated the new characters. So I'm just sitting here.... waiting to find out how their story ends. This waiting is driving me crazy! Please I need to know what happens to Shepherd and Claire.
4 reviews1 follower
Want to read
May 25, 2018
I need a release date!!!! I simply can't wait to see what comes next
Profile Image for Fre06 Begum.
1,260 reviews205 followers
Read
March 21, 2021
Decided to put this on hold. I now know it’s definitely a cliffhanger so I don’t want to read it until it all finishes. I figure if I don’t read it I won’t get so impatient for next one like I did with previous book.
Profile Image for The Half-blood Reader.
1,110 reviews50 followers
id-prefer-not-to
October 1, 2021
Just because of the whole DMCA notice against author Zoey Ellis, it's immediately a no.

You can't own ideas and she didn't even come up with any of the tropes/elements inside Omegaverse or A/B/O or the AU itself. Maybe give compensations to the fans who generated the material in the first place, then?

As the Tines put it "how easily intellectual property law can be weaponized by authors seeking to take down their rivals."
3 reviews1 follower
Read
June 10, 2020
Seems other persons have the same problem with Addison Cain's books as I do. Simply put, she's an amazing writer but don't get too invested. Most of her series aren't finished and you sometimes have to wait years before another installment of a series comes out.
Now if you don't mind the wait, go on right ahead and read her books. To a certain extent, they are worth the wait but the frustration builds over time and people simply get annoyed.
Profile Image for Serial Romance Librarian.
1,187 reviews295 followers
March 23, 2021
*** Book Q & A***

* How did the book make you feel?: I devoured it! I’ve been waiting for this story for YEARS. Of course, it ended on another cliffie, but I’m not mad. I hope it doesn’t take another 4 years for the next installment.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: I was surprised at the turn of this story, but it was very riveting.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I was wondering if Brenya was on the spectrum, and in this book it was revealed she is a genius. I was originally team Jacques, but he was pretty irredeemable after what he orchestrated. Jules was quite surprising. I didn’t see his rise to power coming and I wasn’t disappointed. He’s empowering Brenya and I’m here for it. It was nice catching up with Claire and Shepherd.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I loved Brenya’s badassery.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: omegaverse
* What did you think about the ending?: It’s a cliffie. I’m dying 😵!
* What is your impression of the author?: Love Mrs. Cain’s writing. Hoping she doesn’t leave me hanging too terribly long for some Jules-Brenya action. This book was a major tease.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
17 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2019
Is it bad that I need Jules to win over Bernard?

I just want the beta to be happy and the chemistry he had with Brenya compared to Bernard was just... more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jewel.
854 reviews23 followers
March 22, 2021
I debated over what I should rate this book, because I did really enjoy reading it. I just don't think it's worth it to pay seven dollars for a book that's barely bigger than a novella. I waited a year for this book, and while I did like the turn the story took (no more Jacques! More Jules!) it just wasn't a satisfying reading experience.

The story ends right about the point that Jules is being introduced as the main love interest. I didn't think much of him in Stolen. I just resigned myself to Jacques being the hero of the novel. It was interesting to see him portrayed as an incompetent hothead in this novel. I kind of have a feeling that he was originally supposed to be the final love interest but then the author had a change of heart in Corrupted and had him overthrown by Jules. I don't remember too much of Stolen, but I do recall that his characterization in that novel was vastly different than what we got here.

Overall, it was a good move on the author's part because the meeting between Brenya and Jules had more chemistry in one scene than Brenya and Jacques had in an entire novel. Jules is a much softer hero than I usually prefer, but it just worked for this romance. My stupid romantic heart melted when Jules knelt down to take the glass out of Brenya's foot. I just couldn't take that scene. It was so cute.

As always, I really loved the brief POV changes that focused on Shepherd and Claire. But their storyline definitely confused me. Maybe it's because I haven't read Stolen in years, but I have no recollection of their son passing away. Or whoever Marianne is supposed to be. And instead of focusing on their son's death, Claire's chapters were all about Shepherd taking her out to see a movie. It was kind of weird.

I surprised myself by being just as interested in Brenya's storyline this time as soon as Jules was reintroduced. When I read Stolen I read it solely because I wanted to know what happened with Shepherd and Claire. But here's the thing. The story ends right when things are finally getting interesting, and that irritated me to no end. Corrupted is the beginning of a story, and I don't think it should have been released until that story was completed.

It kind of bothers me that I'm invested in these characters and will probably have to pay another seven dollars just to finish a novel that should have never been broken up into three parts. The original series that focused on Shepherd and Claire warranted three books. Brenya's story does not.

So. Three stars. If the story is finally completed in the next book in the series, maybe I'll raise my rating.

TW: noncon
Profile Image for Vellini.
132 reviews31 followers
Read
March 22, 2021
Here's the review that resumes best why I won't be reading the book: Namera's review


Profile Image for Morgan Mayflower.
44 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2021
Torn between 3 and 4 stars. The plot is, as omegaverse and addisonverse allow, apsurdly complicated and for now impossible to bring to closure, but leaves you tangled in its web and feeling frustrated you’ll have to wait years for the conclusion. Ergo 4 stars.
But at the same time, it proves what one could anticipate reading Stolen: that Claire and Shepherd would take much of this book’s only 200 pages; that most of those pages would not be progressive in a way of the narration, but about their relationship, which improved but not dramatically as a mean to trigger something in the plot, but that could and should have been presented to eager readers (and there are many out there drolling over further glimpses at their love story, which, true to tell, did already run its course) as a separate novella; that Jacques's character was not really given the chance to develop deeper because there was no room for him - for all his flaws, he is the alpha, and she is his omega, and their relationship could and should evolve one way or another, but he simply wasn’t given a chance by the author - instead, he is reduced to comical figure in too few brushes of a pen, which no lead character should suffer, especially in Addison's books with incredibly developed heros; that the beta biting would have to be validated and explained by some exception on the level of deus ex machina for the omegaverse; that Claire, for all her therapy and intro- and retrospection, has turned into one-dimensional (strike that, TWO-dimensional person, but the only richness in her character comes from her past) person, a shadow of revolutionary she once was... why is she actually needed in more than 40% of this book?; that Brenya is a badass, and that, lastly, Jules is a megacreep.
Alas, it's 3 starts, and it could be less, but also more, Addison's writing is as always superior, but i fear she did succumb to the prevailing sentiment of her readers, who just can't get enough when it comes to Claire and Shepherd, and were rooting for Jules.
EDIT: one more plus is a Marryanne - I admit I couldn't remember who she was at first, but then, when I did, my memory was not as she is here, though this deepening of her character has an interesting direction, and I enjoyed her episodes, I find her much more colourful and interesting than Claire.
Profile Image for Sara.
129 reviews
March 28, 2021
After two days from reading this book, I've finally found my main gripe with it.

Everything is just dumbed down-- the rules of the world Cain created, the characters, even the writing leaves something to be desired.

It's almost insulting how nothing actually happens; it's just events that barely add anything to the story. The only time the story picks up is in the last twenty pages or so, and keep in mind that this book is basically a novella. There aren't even emotional connections created between the characters that could potentially explain the odd, stagnant pace. One chapter, Cain would speak of an event briefly, and then come back to it in the next chapter to explain it, as a flashback, in full detail. Is it show significance of the event to different characters-- maybe, I'll give Cain the benefit of the doubt-- But it's quite jarring to see this executed poorly.

And nothing incenses me, so to speak, more than illogical events disguised as plot twists. I do not mind what happens with Brenya and Jules, nor with their future, but I wish it was done in a way that a) did not reduce other characters into complete morons; b) did not break the rules established in previous books within the series (a habit that this author exhibits in other works too).

This was a disappointing and mediocre read, one coming after a long-wait that only served in hyping up readers. Guess the joke's on me for not managing my expectations.
15 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2021
Disappointed

I’m about done with this series and this author. I have waited years for this book, which I understand writing a book takes time, only to be ripped off. While I don’t mind paying for a book, this is definitely not worth the price.

This book is only 198 pages where nothing in the overall plot really moves forward with Shepard’s goals. You see some move forward in Claire’s healing which is good, but it could’ve moved more I felt. I was hoping that at least Claire would tell Shepard she is ready to go through another heat cycle or that even with her being on a heat blocker that she would’ve just naturally started her heat cycle.

Also, we only see a little movement forward in Bernard dome and Brenya and Jules relationship. The book ends with brenya and Jules about to have sex for the first time since they mated. With the book being so short, I definitely think the author could’ve given us one more chapter with this scene.

Honestly, I loved this series’ first 4 books but if the next book is like this one, this series may be a lost cause. If you haven’t started this series yet, I would suggest waiting until you see that the final installment has been released.
Profile Image for Ellen.
11 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2021
The development of the characters and the story buildup would’ve given this book 3 stars, because I’ve been following these characters for so many years and I have a weak spot for them.

But, $7 for 200 pages that ended on yet another cliffhanger? Also considering we’ve waited for this book for god knows how long – and we still don’t have the end in near sight. I am getting really tired of this.

The next book release date is a year from now and at this point, I’m not even sure it’s worth the wait.

⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Cheryl.
2,090 reviews59 followers
March 10, 2022
Disappointed

I've been drawn to this series from the beginning, however we waited so long for this book and literally NOTHING happens.

This Author used to have decent prices but she upped them to 6.99 for under 200 pages that's not cool. Rather pay 7.99 for JR Ward at least hers are not short with a cliffhanger making you wait another YEAR to get the next one. I will leave this series and just re-read older ones that I have it I want.

Disappointed in you Addison!
82 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2020
I do love this series. But......why has it been more than 2 years and no release of the next book? If you are not a patient person I do NOT recommend reading this series of books. Or any of her books really.
Profile Image for Chalice.
3,681 reviews112 followers
April 2, 2021
Corrupted

Plot: This is Book 5 in the series, so if you haven't read the stories before, none of this will make sense!

The story begins by focusing in on Brenya, who at first feels like she's having a pleasant dream. She then realizes that those feelings aren't hers, but rather Jacques. Remember that at the end of the last book, Brenya is forcibly mated by Jacques who then tricks Jules into bonding to her as well. He did that in order to have power over Jules, and by proxy, Shepherd. Big mistake buddy! (fair warning, I hate Jacques).

Jules is now in prison, and Jacques is still mating Brenya every chance he gets. When Brenya realizes that she's not feeling well and her connection to Jules is the problem, she sneaks away and visits him in prison, taking him something to eat (she's not feeling well because he's starving himself). They talk and she misinterprets his intentions to a degree, so she heads back to her rooms. There is a plan in place now though, and Brenya is taken tomeet Jacques in a conference room where she thinks she's in trouble for sneaking out. When she gets there, though, Jules is standing there and Shepherd is on the comms. Shepherd has unleashed the Red Contagion to a specific location to show Jacques what he's capable of. In exchange for them not releasing the illness to everyone Jacques' power is severely hobbled, and Brenya is handed over to Jules.
Like the last book, this one does some back and forth between the two stories - Brenya/Jacques/Jules and Shepherd/Claire. I think Shepherd and Claire are in there simply because of the connection to Jules - they need someone to be threatening (and most of the time, Jacques just comes off as petulant and spoiled) - and because the fans would revolt without reading more about the original couple. Not complaining!

Character development: So many things here:

1. Jacques is despicable, and more scarily, delusional. He thinks that he loves Brenya and is showing her that. Everyone else sees something entirely different, though. Jules sees her being hurt - he saw that even before they were bonded. Shepherd and Claire see it as well, even from far away. Claire especially was horrified, because she knows how aggressive alphas can be, but she also knows the difference between an abusive alpha and a bonded alpha who doesn't know what to do with his feelings. Hearing Jacques try to justify his actions - or worse, not try to justify them because he thinks that what he is doing is inherently right and good - is vile.

2. Shepherd knew Claire was his from the very beginning - the first time he saw her. Even when he broke her (and me!) and cheated with Svana, so much of that stemmed from his own brokenness, confusion, lack of experience, and Svana's manipulation. There was no point, though, where Shepherd wasn't obsessed with Claire. He even noted that in this book. He always knew everything about her - what she was wearing, eating, not eating, every mark on her. Jacques knows nothing about Brenya, and doesn't even really see her, not beyond her being his to mate violently with. There are marks all over her, bruises and scratches that he has left, and he doesn't appear to notice. I get the feeling that Jacques only wanted Brenya because she was the first omega anyone had seen in so long. He didn't love her for her. This is in sharp contrast to Shepherd, who wanted Claire specifically. There were other omegas, and we know he had had other opportunities over the years, but it was Claire specifically he wanted, as an omega and a woman. One telling aspect of this is that Jacques is always "prepping" Brenya for sex with various instruments. Why is that necessary? Because he has no idea what to do with her! He can't "read" her like most alphas could read their bonded omegas. Furthermore, he never really sees anything beyond his own pleasure, so he makes the assumption that if things are good for him, they should be good for her too (and everyone - that's how he rules too).

3. The societal structure in Bernard Dome is disgusting, but not too far from the reality in so many places over so much of history. There is the added idea, though, of the beta rations, that keep people compliant (thinking of The Giver or the controlling IT in A Wrinkle in Time). That must make it so easy to be the person in charge, if you drug everyone else!

Would I read more from this author/in this series: yes

I may come back to this review later. I have thoughts.
Profile Image for Georgiana.
327 reviews24 followers
June 9, 2022
First, I agree with most of the complaints about the author that appear in the top reviews. She definitely seems to abuse her fans and have problems finishing a series, etc.... But, if you enjoyed the first three books of the Alpha's Claim series (and read the 4th) and either like or can ignore some of the over-the-top gross descriptions and violence, I think you might find Corrupted a pretty good addition to the series. For me, there was a lot of interesting progression for a number of characters and the plot. And, even when Cain gives her gamma protagonists a little humanity, they at least remain the villain-heroes rather than changing into misunderstood softies. Finally, like the first 3 books, this story arc (featuring Jules) seems to be headed to a trilogy format (hopefully it will take just one more book to resolve the story.. although it's going to take some creative gymnastics to resolve the situation Cain has created up to now).
6 reviews
March 22, 2021
Not sure if I should give a 1 Star

I wanted Shepherd and Claire story to end. Now I have wait for the book that will take a decade to complete. This was waste of money and time. This was rushed after giving so much time to finish the book. Stop trying to get more rich by prolonging the book. Write a good book so we can always by more of your book.
Profile Image for ↬ Ⓛ.
376 reviews705 followers
December 27, 2023
Bruh the fact Addison rewrote corrupted, but can’t write book 6 to release is funny af to me. Also the original version of corrupted is way better, but still shit- new version here is water down. Just give Clare x Shepherd their rainbow baby & HEA they deserved. They’re so beloved, you fucked them up enough as it is.
Profile Image for Karla Vértiz.
150 reviews
May 14, 2023
Wow I have waited years for this book and it isn’t even 200 pages and I will have to wait who knows how many years for the next. That’s the reason the 3 stars. I am really disappointed. The rate quality versus price is really wrong here. This is overpriced and I am seriously considering done with this author and her stories.
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