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The Corrupt Empire #1
Corrupt Kingdom
From USA Today bestselling author Ava Harrison comes a gritty, twisted standalone romance.
They say Cyrus Reed is ruthless. That he rules the underworld with an iron fist.
A criminal. A murderer. A monster.
He controlled fortunes and amassed empires.
Our paths should never have crossed, but one poker game intertwined our fate.
I woke up stranded on his island.
Trapped.
Forced to play a dangerous game of hate and lust.
He said he took me to protect me.
That he was saving me.
But who will save me from him?
They say Cyrus Reed is ruthless. That he rules the underworld with an iron fist.
A criminal. A murderer. A monster.
He controlled fortunes and amassed empires.
Our paths should never have crossed, but one poker game intertwined our fate.
I woke up stranded on his island.
Trapped.
Forced to play a dangerous game of hate and lust.
He said he took me to protect me.
That he was saving me.
But who will save me from him?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2020
4867 people are currently reading
6683 people want to read
About the author
Ava Harrison
43 books3,680 followersAva Harrison is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author.
When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.
When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 644 reviews
April 25, 2024
DNF
I couldn’t I’m sorry.
I did not understand anything happening in this book. All their actions made ZERO sense to me.
Cyrus owns a bank.
”To them, I’m their savior. No more hiding bags of cash under their beds. Nope. Instead, they all come to me to clean their money and, once it’s spotless, grow it.
Even though I’m technically one of them—a criminal—I can’t stand them. Although that really means nothing, as I can’t stand anyone. But their cash is green. Fuck, theirs might be greener. A new shade stained by the life taken to make it.”
So Cyrus also runs this get together thing where all these criminals come and gamble and stuff. One night, a father looses all his money and offers his daughter in return to this guy named Boris aka The Butcher who is involved in trafficking and Cyrus hates him and wants to bring the whole organization down.
So Cyrus is a Criminal and also a part time superhero.
Next.
Cyrus is like sorry boys that’s a NO No from me. Not happening on my watch.
But Boris and the father still go behind his back and seal the deal.
Now the girls name is Ivy, her brother begs Cyrus to help. First Cyrus was like “no no, not my problem” but then he see’s Ivy
“There, amongst the bleak earth recently frozen by snow, is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”
and is like okay cool. I’m going to kidnap her and take her to my private island that no one knows about.
Ivy gets kidnapped. Wakes up in a strange place.
“This time, he steps out of the shadow, and his face comes into focus. Handsome. Devastatingly handsome.
A god among mortals. Sharp lines. Strong and powerful. Dark hair. Pressed suit. Not just any suit, though. This one screams money. Power. He screams power with dark eyes that have no soul.”
A god among mortals
Idk why I found that so funny. Scratch that Ik, I just didn’t like Cyrus 🤷🏽♀️
Now instead of telling Ivy the real reason as to why she was kidnapped and all. Cyrus decides to.....
“I really could tell her, but I almost like this better. The attitude, her strength. No one challenges me. Regardless that she is my captive, she still has the strength and will to challenge me, and it’s invigorating.
Men clamor at me. Women fawn.
But not her.
Yeah. Decision made.
This is the most alive I’ve felt in years, and I’m not willing to give this feeling up. No. I can’t tell her the truth, and I can’t let her go. Instead, I let her pass and follow her as she heads to the stairs.”
So she is locked in an island and Cyrus comes every few days to visit her. Cyrus decides to call her “Sun” which I’m assuming is because she is a blonde. They had no chemistry whatsoever. The visits were so boring. I wasn’t even excited for the main leads to even kiss let alone fuck. They were both so meh.
I couldn’t I’m sorry.
I did not understand anything happening in this book. All their actions made ZERO sense to me.
Cyrus owns a bank.
”To them, I’m their savior. No more hiding bags of cash under their beds. Nope. Instead, they all come to me to clean their money and, once it’s spotless, grow it.
Even though I’m technically one of them—a criminal—I can’t stand them. Although that really means nothing, as I can’t stand anyone. But their cash is green. Fuck, theirs might be greener. A new shade stained by the life taken to make it.”
So Cyrus also runs this get together thing where all these criminals come and gamble and stuff. One night, a father looses all his money and offers his daughter in return to this guy named Boris aka The Butcher who is involved in trafficking and Cyrus hates him and wants to bring the whole organization down.
So Cyrus is a Criminal and also a part time superhero.
Next.
Cyrus is like sorry boys that’s a NO No from me. Not happening on my watch.
But Boris and the father still go behind his back and seal the deal.
Now the girls name is Ivy, her brother begs Cyrus to help. First Cyrus was like “no no, not my problem” but then he see’s Ivy
“There, amongst the bleak earth recently frozen by snow, is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”
and is like okay cool. I’m going to kidnap her and take her to my private island that no one knows about.
Ivy gets kidnapped. Wakes up in a strange place.
“This time, he steps out of the shadow, and his face comes into focus. Handsome. Devastatingly handsome.
A god among mortals. Sharp lines. Strong and powerful. Dark hair. Pressed suit. Not just any suit, though. This one screams money. Power. He screams power with dark eyes that have no soul.”
A god among mortals
Idk why I found that so funny. Scratch that Ik, I just didn’t like Cyrus 🤷🏽♀️
Now instead of telling Ivy the real reason as to why she was kidnapped and all. Cyrus decides to.....
“I really could tell her, but I almost like this better. The attitude, her strength. No one challenges me. Regardless that she is my captive, she still has the strength and will to challenge me, and it’s invigorating.
Men clamor at me. Women fawn.
But not her.
Yeah. Decision made.
This is the most alive I’ve felt in years, and I’m not willing to give this feeling up. No. I can’t tell her the truth, and I can’t let her go. Instead, I let her pass and follow her as she heads to the stairs.”
So she is locked in an island and Cyrus comes every few days to visit her. Cyrus decides to call her “Sun” which I’m assuming is because she is a blonde. They had no chemistry whatsoever. The visits were so boring. I wasn’t even excited for the main leads to even kiss let alone fuck. They were both so meh.
May 4, 2021
I want to start by saying that cover is insanely hot🔥. This is not like those typical mafia/gangster storyline. Very little violence, threats, and dominance from male character. The thing I love most about this author's work is that she writes dark romances that are actually light. I absolutely devoured this story!
March 14, 2020
More villainous than her others. Sexier. Dangerous.
The story is filled with suspense and a couple walking the thin line between hate and lust.
I absolutely loved these two.
BETA READ
The story is filled with suspense and a couple walking the thin line between hate and lust.
I absolutely loved these two.
BETA READ
February 23, 2021
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 2.75 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
okay so, not much to say. Cringey at times, the beginning was boring and I didn’t feel like Cyrus was super like bad. Enjoyed their moments at the middle and loved the dog. The sex scenes ZERO sexy. The sexual chemistry was NOT there and the conflict was predictable. Not the worst I’ve read, but pretty meh.
okay so, not much to say. Cringey at times, the beginning was boring and I didn’t feel like Cyrus was super like bad. Enjoyed their moments at the middle and loved the dog. The sex scenes ZERO sexy. The sexual chemistry was NOT there and the conflict was predictable. Not the worst I’ve read, but pretty meh.
April 23, 2020
5 ”Cyrus and his Sun” stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
He’s in the shadows.
Tall and dominating.
Like the angel of death come forth to pull me to the other side. To hell.
A chill runs up my spine.
This book was all sorts of amazing. This is the first book by a new to me author. Although I have seen her books so many times in my feed, I never got to reading them and now am kicking myself why the hell did I do that ‘cause this one was absolutely divine. It is now one of my favourite romantic suspense novel.
”Who do you think you are, Hades? You are no king.”
I advance toward her, stalking over like a lion rest to devour its prey.
“I’m Cyrus Reed, and that is exactly what I am.”
I don’t wanna give any spoilers so am not going to go into too much depth about the plot. The story revolves around Cyrus Reed (hero) who is the owner of a bank which caters to the underworld, turning black money into clean. He also arranges a poker game which is how he ends up knowing about Ivy (heroine). He does have his own agenda when he ends up kidnapping Ivy but also for her own safety, even though she doesn’t know that. Cyrus was ruthless, quiet, domineering, possessive, gruff but also sweet, understanding, caring, a little damaged and protective around ivy. And the way he called her his sun, it had me swooning.
I turn back to him.
To the man who proved himself to me. Who protected me. The man who loved me enough to let me go.
Ivy is 22 year old working as a florist. She ends up in the sight of Cyrus because of her father who has basically sold her to a very bad man named butcher. She doesn’t know why and how she has landed on an unknown island. She’s kept in the dark. She was innocent but also smart, sassy and bold when needed to be. Under her circumstances, she held up really strongly. I also enjoyed her interaction with the dog and how she turned him to her side. It was so funny and adorable.
His hands continue their path to the center of my chest.
I think he will stop touching me. Lean forward and kiss me. He doesn’t move forward, though; instead, his hands cup me.
“I can feel how wet you are....”
My chest rises and falls.
The first half of the book focuses completely on building up the romance between the two. It was a delicious slow burn. Whenever in the room together, you could feel the tension and chemistry between them. The banter was sizzling and sensual. They both tried staying away from each other for different reasons but clearly the connection was strong. The second half picked up speed and there was lots of action and drama. I really loved the plot.
If you are looking for a book which will blow your mind and keep you on your toes, then look no further. Highly recommended. ♥️
He’s in the shadows.
Tall and dominating.
Like the angel of death come forth to pull me to the other side. To hell.
A chill runs up my spine.
This book was all sorts of amazing. This is the first book by a new to me author. Although I have seen her books so many times in my feed, I never got to reading them and now am kicking myself why the hell did I do that ‘cause this one was absolutely divine. It is now one of my favourite romantic suspense novel.
”Who do you think you are, Hades? You are no king.”
I advance toward her, stalking over like a lion rest to devour its prey.
“I’m Cyrus Reed, and that is exactly what I am.”
I don’t wanna give any spoilers so am not going to go into too much depth about the plot. The story revolves around Cyrus Reed (hero) who is the owner of a bank which caters to the underworld, turning black money into clean. He also arranges a poker game which is how he ends up knowing about Ivy (heroine). He does have his own agenda when he ends up kidnapping Ivy but also for her own safety, even though she doesn’t know that. Cyrus was ruthless, quiet, domineering, possessive, gruff but also sweet, understanding, caring, a little damaged and protective around ivy. And the way he called her his sun, it had me swooning.
I turn back to him.
To the man who proved himself to me. Who protected me. The man who loved me enough to let me go.
Ivy is 22 year old working as a florist. She ends up in the sight of Cyrus because of her father who has basically sold her to a very bad man named butcher. She doesn’t know why and how she has landed on an unknown island. She’s kept in the dark. She was innocent but also smart, sassy and bold when needed to be. Under her circumstances, she held up really strongly. I also enjoyed her interaction with the dog and how she turned him to her side. It was so funny and adorable.
His hands continue their path to the center of my chest.
I think he will stop touching me. Lean forward and kiss me. He doesn’t move forward, though; instead, his hands cup me.
“I can feel how wet you are....”
My chest rises and falls.
The first half of the book focuses completely on building up the romance between the two. It was a delicious slow burn. Whenever in the room together, you could feel the tension and chemistry between them. The banter was sizzling and sensual. They both tried staying away from each other for different reasons but clearly the connection was strong. The second half picked up speed and there was lots of action and drama. I really loved the plot.
If you are looking for a book which will blow your mind and keep you on your toes, then look no further. Highly recommended. ♥️
January 25, 2024
The waffling. AARGH!!
2.5 Stars rounded up.
The waffling was annoying as hell, and stretched this out an extra 50 pages. The stupid angst just t0 waffle about 'Do I love him enough to overlook his badguyness' made me almost DNF. I don't know if I'll try book two or not...but it's not looking good.
2.5 Stars rounded up.
The waffling was annoying as hell, and stretched this out an extra 50 pages. The stupid angst just t0 waffle about 'Do I love him enough to overlook his badguyness' made me almost DNF. I don't know if I'll try book two or not...but it's not looking good.
April 22, 2020
3.5 - 3.75 ‘Primrose’ Stars
This book was a quick and enjoyable read!
Ivy Aldridge is strong, brave, and independent. She has hard time relying on anyone else due to her past with her family. Cyrus Reed is cold, arrogant, and greedy. He is on top of the food chain due to his business of handling the dirty money of criminals. His behavior and his attitude towards money also stem from his past with his family. The sizzling chemistry between Ivy and Cyrus was amazing and I enjoyed the development of their relationship.
I do, however, have couple of complaints with the book. First, I am not a big fan of flashbacks in books, but I think that flashbacks would have been beneficial in this case to convey what the MCs went through in their past. Second, we are told in the book that Ivy is close to her mother and got into gardening to connect with her mother, but we don’t get much interaction between them throughout the book. I would’ve appreciated if their relationship was fleshed out a little. Third, the antagonist and the conflict related to him is introduced early in the story and I think that the resolution of the conflict was rushed at the end.
Overall, a quick, enjoyable, and worthwhile read!
This book was a quick and enjoyable read!
Ivy Aldridge is strong, brave, and independent. She has hard time relying on anyone else due to her past with her family. Cyrus Reed is cold, arrogant, and greedy. He is on top of the food chain due to his business of handling the dirty money of criminals. His behavior and his attitude towards money also stem from his past with his family. The sizzling chemistry between Ivy and Cyrus was amazing and I enjoyed the development of their relationship.
I do, however, have couple of complaints with the book. First, I am not a big fan of flashbacks in books, but I think that flashbacks would have been beneficial in this case to convey what the MCs went through in their past. Second, we are told in the book that Ivy is close to her mother and got into gardening to connect with her mother, but we don’t get much interaction between them throughout the book. I would’ve appreciated if their relationship was fleshed out a little. Third, the antagonist and the conflict related to him is introduced early in the story and I think that the resolution of the conflict was rushed at the end.
Overall, a quick, enjoyable, and worthwhile read!
April 15, 2020
My first read by this author and I don't know...
I'm starting to think there's something wrong with me.
I definitely expect too much every time I start reading a book that has such a perfectly intriguing blurb. I love dark romance and I don't think this one is IT for me.
I enjoyed reading the story, really.
However, there were a few rolling eyes by me for some of the situations and pointless moves of the characters, especially at the beginning of the story.
I would probably give this 2/2.5 stars but Cyrus is such a sweetheart compared to some maniacs I used to love in other dark romances.🥰
I'm starting to think there's something wrong with me.
I definitely expect too much every time I start reading a book that has such a perfectly intriguing blurb. I love dark romance and I don't think this one is IT for me.
I enjoyed reading the story, really.
However, there were a few rolling eyes by me for some of the situations and pointless moves of the characters, especially at the beginning of the story.
I would probably give this 2/2.5 stars but Cyrus is such a sweetheart compared to some maniacs I used to love in other dark romances.🥰
June 9, 2022
Künyede belirtilen dark, crime temaları yüzeyseldi. Zaten detaylı da pek benlik değil, bu açıdan sorun yok. Kitabın %60'ı hatta 70'i Ivy'nin kaçırılıp, yaşam alanı olarak belirlenen adada geçiyor. Cyrus'un bankacılık işini görüyoruz ve hooop adaya gidip Ivy ile olan etkileşimini okuyoruz. Zaten işini yaptığı yerle ada karşı karşıya gibi 😂
Yani bende pek etki uyandıran bir hikaye değildi ama yine de okunabilir. Bu içerikler pek benim kalemim değil ama konuya bakınca, bir okuma isteği geldi 😅
Cyrus her tür yasadışı iş yapan insanların parasını akladığı bir bankaya sahip. Silah kaçakçısı, uyuşturucu baronları... No problema... Ama insan ticareti kırmızı çizgisi... Her cuma düzenlediği poker gecesinde, masada fişler yerine insan takas edilince olaya müdahale eder. Sonra da karşısına Ivy çıkar.
Ivy fena değildi. En azından alık, salak, saf değildi. Kaçma girişimleri, iki saniye de Cyrus'un kucağına düşmemesi iyiydi.
Sonu çok oldu bitti ve basit geldi. 🤷🏻♀️
Yani bende pek etki uyandıran bir hikaye değildi ama yine de okunabilir. Bu içerikler pek benim kalemim değil ama konuya bakınca, bir okuma isteği geldi 😅
Cyrus her tür yasadışı iş yapan insanların parasını akladığı bir bankaya sahip. Silah kaçakçısı, uyuşturucu baronları... No problema... Ama insan ticareti kırmızı çizgisi... Her cuma düzenlediği poker gecesinde, masada fişler yerine insan takas edilince olaya müdahale eder. Sonra da karşısına Ivy çıkar.
Ivy fena değildi. En azından alık, salak, saf değildi. Kaçma girişimleri, iki saniye de Cyrus'un kucağına düşmemesi iyiydi.
Sonu çok oldu bitti ve basit geldi. 🤷🏻♀️
dnf
June 15, 2020Audio 4.5 Stars
Story dnf @ 24%
Unoriginal, cliché, stereotypical...whatever...the end.
Story dnf @ 24%
Unoriginal, cliché, stereotypical...whatever...the end.
April 27, 2020
I just couldn’t feel the chemistry between the characters.... I enjoy this author very much but I just don’t know about this one..
November 23, 2020
Bookstagram
➵i own the edits,not the pictures
1 star—i read it, not great or really bad, i won't read it ever again.
this book starts off with good and captivating description on how the H runs his illegal job. I really really love that part, but once the h emerge in the story i just gah i don't know i wanted to love this book so bad but i just can't. Maybe it was just me and that this book is way too slow burn and i don't get the point of it. I really wanted to love this book which is why i pushed myself to finished it with hope that it'll get better at some point but it didn't.
June 4, 2020
all in all, this was an okay read for me, the usual equation for "captive fall for her captor" hype works just fine, but I kind of didn't feel anything more for the characters...
April 21, 2020
I really liked this book. The love story unfolds super slowly and you get this wild build up. It was nice. I was really into Cyrus Reed. He was malicious yet refined. A real control freak. But Ivy melted his heart.
Available now on all platforms. This was a solid 3.5 read and worth the time.
April 18, 2020
It’s a story I’ve read before.
I don’t understand how they made their connection because they would hardly interact with each other and when they did it was quick.
I also don’t understand why at 46% he’s telling us about the island again. We got it at the start of the book so I don’t need to read it again.
There’s so much build up to what’s going on that when we finally get to it at the end of the book it’s over within a paragraph. I couldn’t believe it. This whole time we are waiting and then a twist happens and it’s just over. Bang! Done.
I don’t understand how they made their connection because they would hardly interact with each other and when they did it was quick.
I also don’t understand why at 46% he’s telling us about the island again. We got it at the start of the book so I don’t need to read it again.
There’s so much build up to what’s going on that when we finally get to it at the end of the book it’s over within a paragraph. I couldn’t believe it. This whole time we are waiting and then a twist happens and it’s just over. Bang! Done.
June 30, 2020
A MISH-MASH MESS OF AN ENEMIES TO LOVERS STORY
“My corrupt kingdom, where I am a god” -- where’s the oomph to back up this claim??
Ava Harrison first captured my attention with Through Her Eyes, and I’ve followed her books ever since. Though not all equally. This book stood out with potential to be one of her magical ones. Kidnap captive books are my jam, along with a hard-to-read criminal H, an island setting, a spitfire heroine with a strong will, and a situation that is not – and more than – what it seems. The story revolves around the mystery of a villainous hero or a hero villain (whichever you prefer) who kidnaps young Ivy to prevent her from being taken in a gambling debt by The Butcher, who abducts women as sex slaves before killing or giving them away.
Within pages, I was bored stiff as the story went nowhere and continued to drag for 60% before the MCs spent any actual time together for their relationship to progress. Ivy refuses to obey Cyrus’s rules and the wuss is helpless to control her. Her bad decisions cause them both considerable misery. Some big, bad criminal dude he is (NOT!). Okay he’s a banker and money launderer -- beyond rich -- but we don’t see any of this, except the initial card game that results in his ambush kidnapping of lovely Ivy (22) for her own good away from The Butcher. That guy’s a prize pig, but there’s no exposure to him until the end, so he almost felt like a figment of my imagination.
Although the entire setup was based on criminal relationships and Cyrus’s position as a banker/money launderer for a bunch of badass clients who take part in his legendary card games, we’re told more than we see about his criminal empire and the mainland estate he never EVER leaves for his own protection. Why does heroic badguy Cyrus kidnap Ivy to save her life? Because he was smitten after one look at her … but won’t act on his desire. All that is well and good, but author never bothered to plot a story worthy of the premise. Cyrus leaves her ALL ALONE at his island estate with just a guard dog who only responds to commands in Dutch. Who knows why. Nothing about her captivity or Cyrus or his criminal enemies or the oddly romantic relationship makes much sense. Stockholm Syndrome? You betcha.
Everything about Boris and his hunt for Ivy’s whereabouts just simmers on the backburner. Meanwhile, Cyrus only occasionally visits the island with food and to make sure Ivy eats. 60% of the book is stuck in the same quicksand! Now the story is even more boring. There’s a bit about flowers, her name, and her restoring his island greenhouse while he busts a gasket over it for mysterious reasons. But, like everything else in this tell vs. show tale, answers are between slim and none for too long, and have little impact anyway. There just was no clear storyline. A bunch of vague stuff about her nutty mom, her evil dad, keeping Ivy safe from The Butcher, and some double cross mumbo-jumbo until it all finally blows up at the end in a real yawner.
Cyrus is too closed off and mysterious, while Ivy acts very young, bratty and immature as time drips along. Actually, she doesn’t have a good sense or awareness of her situation and how best to survive or get out of it. She’s young and he’s older, but we never how much. He repeatedly says he never lies, but lies to her several times by omission and commission. And then there all the gaps of logic and nonsensical writing. How can Cyrus have a piece of wood sticking out of a gaping hole in his leg when the wood fills the gap until removed. What is a “meager radio”? How does plaster “concaves in” when concave is not a verb? A “pit” does not form in the stomach like a peach pit; it means the hollow bottom of the stomach where one feels something, such as dread. [Writer like this also use the childish “pointer finger”, instead of index finger or forefinger.] This is a badly written, underwritten slow burn. Have I just never noticed these things about this author before? The romance part was just okay because there was nothing else, and I was grabbing at anything that could get me to turn pages and finally finish the book, which did not live up to expectations. I just had to know how this mess ended. Well, friends, it … ENDS. Cute epilogue though.
“My corrupt kingdom, where I am a god” -- where’s the oomph to back up this claim??
Ava Harrison first captured my attention with Through Her Eyes, and I’ve followed her books ever since. Though not all equally. This book stood out with potential to be one of her magical ones. Kidnap captive books are my jam, along with a hard-to-read criminal H, an island setting, a spitfire heroine with a strong will, and a situation that is not – and more than – what it seems. The story revolves around the mystery of a villainous hero or a hero villain (whichever you prefer) who kidnaps young Ivy to prevent her from being taken in a gambling debt by The Butcher, who abducts women as sex slaves before killing or giving them away.
Within pages, I was bored stiff as the story went nowhere and continued to drag for 60% before the MCs spent any actual time together for their relationship to progress. Ivy refuses to obey Cyrus’s rules and the wuss is helpless to control her. Her bad decisions cause them both considerable misery. Some big, bad criminal dude he is (NOT!). Okay he’s a banker and money launderer -- beyond rich -- but we don’t see any of this, except the initial card game that results in his ambush kidnapping of lovely Ivy (22) for her own good away from The Butcher. That guy’s a prize pig, but there’s no exposure to him until the end, so he almost felt like a figment of my imagination.
Although the entire setup was based on criminal relationships and Cyrus’s position as a banker/money launderer for a bunch of badass clients who take part in his legendary card games, we’re told more than we see about his criminal empire and the mainland estate he never EVER leaves for his own protection. Why does heroic badguy Cyrus kidnap Ivy to save her life? Because he was smitten after one look at her … but won’t act on his desire. All that is well and good, but author never bothered to plot a story worthy of the premise. Cyrus leaves her ALL ALONE at his island estate with just a guard dog who only responds to commands in Dutch. Who knows why. Nothing about her captivity or Cyrus or his criminal enemies or the oddly romantic relationship makes much sense. Stockholm Syndrome? You betcha.
Everything about Boris and his hunt for Ivy’s whereabouts just simmers on the backburner. Meanwhile, Cyrus only occasionally visits the island with food and to make sure Ivy eats. 60% of the book is stuck in the same quicksand! Now the story is even more boring. There’s a bit about flowers, her name, and her restoring his island greenhouse while he busts a gasket over it for mysterious reasons. But, like everything else in this tell vs. show tale, answers are between slim and none for too long, and have little impact anyway. There just was no clear storyline. A bunch of vague stuff about her nutty mom, her evil dad, keeping Ivy safe from The Butcher, and some double cross mumbo-jumbo until it all finally blows up at the end in a real yawner.
Cyrus is too closed off and mysterious, while Ivy acts very young, bratty and immature as time drips along. Actually, she doesn’t have a good sense or awareness of her situation and how best to survive or get out of it. She’s young and he’s older, but we never how much. He repeatedly says he never lies, but lies to her several times by omission and commission. And then there all the gaps of logic and nonsensical writing. How can Cyrus have a piece of wood sticking out of a gaping hole in his leg when the wood fills the gap until removed. What is a “meager radio”? How does plaster “concaves in” when concave is not a verb? A “pit” does not form in the stomach like a peach pit; it means the hollow bottom of the stomach where one feels something, such as dread. [Writer like this also use the childish “pointer finger”, instead of index finger or forefinger.] This is a badly written, underwritten slow burn. Have I just never noticed these things about this author before? The romance part was just okay because there was nothing else, and I was grabbing at anything that could get me to turn pages and finally finish the book, which did not live up to expectations. I just had to know how this mess ended. Well, friends, it … ENDS. Cute epilogue though.
August 9, 2022
2.5 stars. This was my first time reading this author, picked up the read for a book club. Very early on in this read it was giving me Hades and Persephone vibes, but kind of in that too-on-the-nose kind of way. Like “this is his corrupt kingdom, where he’s god”, and “I rule the underworld”. And then of course with him kidnapping her away to his island that is only accessible via boat, his dog named Cerberus, she’s into gardening (because of her mother) and stays half the year somewhere to garden, and of course the heroine likening him to Hades as well.
The premise sounded good but then it was all just kind of boring and lackluster. A lot of the same convos and vague answers a lot, barely around one another since she’s left at the island on her own most of the time, when he shows up he tries to get her to eat and will give her answers for every bite she takes. Neither character was that interesting. The hero just came off too try-hardy and the romance was slow burn without much happening.
Basically: Cyrus owns the wealthiest private bank in the world, but it’s unofficially the gateway to the underworld as he caters to criminals—drug dealers, gunrunners, cartel, mafia, shady politicians and businessmen. He takes their dirty money, cleans it up, invests it and helps their fortunes grow, which in turn helps his own fortune. One night one of his patrons is there and loses money and wants to offer up his daughter Ivy instead as payment. Cyrus first says no, then finds out her dad is planning to trade her to a worse man, plus he gets a glimpse of her, so he kidnaps Ivy after all. Once kidnapped, Ivy wakes up on the island and Cyrus shows up.
The premise sounded good but then it was all just kind of boring and lackluster. A lot of the same convos and vague answers a lot, barely around one another since she’s left at the island on her own most of the time, when he shows up he tries to get her to eat and will give her answers for every bite she takes. Neither character was that interesting. The hero just came off too try-hardy and the romance was slow burn without much happening.
Basically: Cyrus owns the wealthiest private bank in the world, but it’s unofficially the gateway to the underworld as he caters to criminals—drug dealers, gunrunners, cartel, mafia, shady politicians and businessmen. He takes their dirty money, cleans it up, invests it and helps their fortunes grow, which in turn helps his own fortune. One night one of his patrons is there and loses money and wants to offer up his daughter Ivy instead as payment. Cyrus first says no, then finds out her dad is planning to trade her to a worse man, plus he gets a glimpse of her, so he kidnaps Ivy after all. Once kidnapped, Ivy wakes up on the island and Cyrus shows up.
April 20, 2020
If I could I'd give this book a completely neutral rating. I didn't like this but I didn't dislike it either. Giving is 3 stars ("I liked it") seems generous but 2 stars ("I didn't like it") seems rude since that would be giving it too much credit. Books that I give 2 stars to pissed me off in some way. To be 3 stars however, I'd have to have liked it at least a but. This book simply... is. I'd compare it to the color beige. Sure, it's not a bad color but it's not a great color either.
The best parts were the ones with the dog.
Cyrus was a boring guy despite his otherwise interesting life. I would have preferred the book to not have his point of view and to develop with relationship with Ivy more instead of using his narration as an excuse for him to be redeemed or whatever without actually doing anything.
There's very little chemistry. I mean, it's there but it's told instead of shown. That was my main problem with the book; the writing was more likely to sum up what was happening instead of showing me.
As a result, I have no emotional attachment to any of the characters. The action was boring and low-stakes, the plot predictable, and the characters underdeveloped.
I'm not saying I wasted my time reading this book but I didn't get anything out of it except a sense of disappointment.
The best parts were the ones with the dog.
Cyrus was a boring guy despite his otherwise interesting life. I would have preferred the book to not have his point of view and to develop with relationship with Ivy more instead of using his narration as an excuse for him to be redeemed or whatever without actually doing anything.
There's very little chemistry. I mean, it's there but it's told instead of shown. That was my main problem with the book; the writing was more likely to sum up what was happening instead of showing me.
As a result, I have no emotional attachment to any of the characters. The action was boring and low-stakes, the plot predictable, and the characters underdeveloped.
I'm not saying I wasted my time reading this book but I didn't get anything out of it except a sense of disappointment.
July 28, 2020
Hello dark mafia book!
Corrupt Kingdom was definitely a page turner. Even if I totally saw who the "bad guy" was a mile away. It was just way too easy to figure out who would betray who. Yet, I ate it all up. It doesn't hurt that Cyrus and Ivy were just adorable. I mean, the sexual tension was hot and amazing. I couldn't wait for things to just explode between them because it was just bound to happen.
Luckily for me, and them, it did. They had so much chemistry with one another even if he did technically kidnap the girl. Of course, once they start to have more feelings for one another... the drama is unleashed. Ivy gets kidnapped from the kidnapper.. but to a much dangerous guy.
The Butcher.
I loved getting to see all the different types of criminals that Cyrus dealt with. From all kinds of mafias.. to people who dealt with human trafficking. He didn't condone that one bit and definitely didn't allow people to bet on human lives while playing poker within his house. He also had some dark secrets about his past and Ivy somehow pulls back his layers one day at a time.
They were really good for one another and that epilogue was freaking adorable. I'm so glad that they are all in a much better place. I do wonder what happened to her dad.. but at the same time, I don't really care. I hope he's someone's bitch or dead.
Corrupt Kingdom was definitely a page turner. Even if I totally saw who the "bad guy" was a mile away. It was just way too easy to figure out who would betray who. Yet, I ate it all up. It doesn't hurt that Cyrus and Ivy were just adorable. I mean, the sexual tension was hot and amazing. I couldn't wait for things to just explode between them because it was just bound to happen.
Luckily for me, and them, it did. They had so much chemistry with one another even if he did technically kidnap the girl. Of course, once they start to have more feelings for one another... the drama is unleashed. Ivy gets kidnapped from the kidnapper.. but to a much dangerous guy.
The Butcher.
I loved getting to see all the different types of criminals that Cyrus dealt with. From all kinds of mafias.. to people who dealt with human trafficking. He didn't condone that one bit and definitely didn't allow people to bet on human lives while playing poker within his house. He also had some dark secrets about his past and Ivy somehow pulls back his layers one day at a time.
They were really good for one another and that epilogue was freaking adorable. I'm so glad that they are all in a much better place. I do wonder what happened to her dad.. but at the same time, I don't really care. I hope he's someone's bitch or dead.
May 3, 2020
I was actually excited at the beginning of this book because the plot was interesting af, but god this was so boring once they started having sex, the whole conflict was boring too and the characters are so meh, i just finished and I can't even remember their names 😭😭😭
September 18, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
This incredibly HOT villain will have you embracing the darkness. If you love mafia romances, enemies to lovers, fiery passionate scenes, heroes who are villains and a sweet girl being used as a pawn in some dangerous games then this is the book for you.
It was a slow burn at first bit Cyrus Reed wormed his way into my heart, lol. Ivy is young and sweet. Too bad her only fault was being born to a man without morals. Her father gets in over his head gambling, so to match a bet he puts up his daughter. Cyrus is the anti hero that you love to hate. He’s a villain through and through but once he meets Ivy she sees through everything and becomes the darkness to his light.
I devoured this book in one sitting, Ava has created something that will draw you in from the prologue and hold you utterly captivated until the last page. Can you love the man who imprisoned you? One decision and everything changes.
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May 2, 2020
“She looks like an angel. My angel. If only I had a soul worth saving.”
3.5 Corrupt Stars!
This is my 3rd book by Ava but the one I was most excited about. The moment Cyrus Reed entered the picture I hoped for this book.....I loved both Price brothers but they lacked the criminal aspect that Cyrus was guaranteed to deliver. I just hoped his story wouldn’t have the same problem his two predecessors did.......being way too slow to get the romance kicked into gear. Ava has yet to pull a 5 star rating from me, but if any of them could do it I knew it would be this guy.
So did Cyrus pull it off? While he didn’t get a 5 star rating I was hoping for, he still became an easy favorite of Ava’s antiheroes. I loved the criminal aspect of the love story and of course Cyrus, but unfortunately there were things that just didn’t live up to my expectations.....but more on that later. Don’t expect a “dark” romance just because it features a seemingly dark antihero, otherwise you will be disappointed.
Overall Plot/Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Story Pace/Speed: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cyrus Reed: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ivy Aldridge: ⭐️⭐️
Steamy Scale: 🔥🔥🔥
Slow Burn/Sizzle Meter: 🔥🔥🔥
Book Facts:
Told in: Dual POV, all present day.
About: An enemies-to-lovers stand-alone featuring the king of the underworld Cyrus Reed & Trent Aldridge’s (from Conceal) little sister Ivy. An ordinary poker game night results in an innocent life being put in danger. Cyrus is the only person who can keep her safe, but he also presents a danger to her of a different kind. He knows he can’t keep her, she knows he’s a bad man. Trapped on his private island, she begins to see a side of Cyrus Reed that makes her believe that a future as his queen is not only possible but something she may want. Only if she can get him to believe guys like him can have HEAs too.
Safe Read? Yes, although it does include one scene with mild violence/torture.
Ends in: HEA with extended epilogue.
My Thoughts:
Overall, I really liked this story & it kept my attention from start to finish. But there were some things that kept it from being an exceptional read.
Let’s get into what I liked first (aside from the overall plot)....
Cyrus Reed: Cyrus Reed had my attention from the moment he appeared in Conceal, but this book made me LOVE him.....
......I actually loved him more than either Price brother. He is a bad guy BUT he is such a great guy for Ivy. How he was able to be so ruthless & powerful but show her a softer more gentle side was a major plus.
The Ending: I liked how the ending went leading up to the epilogue. It was messy and not so cookie cutter/clean cut, but was still able to lead to an extended epilogue that was so incredibly sweet. I loved that Cyrus did not change who he was, he was still the villain BUT he never let it touch Ivy. I appreciated that she didn’t demand him to change, that she loved him anyways.
Now what I didn’t.....
Ivy Aldridge: It’s not that I didn’t like her, I just didn’t feel any certain way about Ivy. She didn’t leave a big lasting type impression on me. She was just “there”.....
.....she didn’t make me believe that someone like Cyrus Reed would find his “forever” with her. She was a dull character and unfortunately it didn’t feel like she was the kind of heroine that would make a man like Cyrus finally fall in love.
Repetition: I did get a little irritated with the constant repetition of certain things.....like her believing he was protecting her, that he wasn’t a bad guy, that she trusted him, etc.
I hate when authors do this bc it makes it feel like that character is trying to convince themselves or the reader instead of allowing us to see for ourselves something that’s so clear through the writing.
The “Big” Twist: What might be considered the biggest twist is pretty obvious, especially as it goes on. It’s so in your face there is no way you can’t see it. I didn’t necessarily mind that it wasn’t a shock, bc it was important to pushing the plot forward. My issue is that it wouldn’t have been so lackluster had she not constantly dropped unnecessary “hints” along the way.
The Verdict:
When it comes down to it, this isn’t going to be on my fav books list. It’s not one that made me feel anything, it was just an entertaining surface-level read. The sex was steamy, the antihero was incredible, but the heroine just didn’t stack up. I can recommend it, especially to those who like a good enemies to lovers story with a side of underworld element. But if you are the type that needs a read that promises to get your feelings involved, this is likely not the one. Still, it’s entertaining and fun, and Cyrus Reed makes one hard to resist antihero.
“She has shown me that no matter how dark and twisted I am, she will love me anyway, and even the monster can get a happy ending.”
3.5 Corrupt Stars!
This is my 3rd book by Ava but the one I was most excited about. The moment Cyrus Reed entered the picture I hoped for this book.....I loved both Price brothers but they lacked the criminal aspect that Cyrus was guaranteed to deliver. I just hoped his story wouldn’t have the same problem his two predecessors did.......being way too slow to get the romance kicked into gear. Ava has yet to pull a 5 star rating from me, but if any of them could do it I knew it would be this guy.
So did Cyrus pull it off? While he didn’t get a 5 star rating I was hoping for, he still became an easy favorite of Ava’s antiheroes. I loved the criminal aspect of the love story and of course Cyrus, but unfortunately there were things that just didn’t live up to my expectations.....but more on that later. Don’t expect a “dark” romance just because it features a seemingly dark antihero, otherwise you will be disappointed.
Overall Plot/Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Story Pace/Speed: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cyrus Reed: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ivy Aldridge: ⭐️⭐️
Steamy Scale: 🔥🔥🔥
Slow Burn/Sizzle Meter: 🔥🔥🔥
Book Facts:
Told in: Dual POV, all present day.
About: An enemies-to-lovers stand-alone featuring the king of the underworld Cyrus Reed & Trent Aldridge’s (from Conceal) little sister Ivy. An ordinary poker game night results in an innocent life being put in danger. Cyrus is the only person who can keep her safe, but he also presents a danger to her of a different kind. He knows he can’t keep her, she knows he’s a bad man. Trapped on his private island, she begins to see a side of Cyrus Reed that makes her believe that a future as his queen is not only possible but something she may want. Only if she can get him to believe guys like him can have HEAs too.
Safe Read? Yes, although it does include one scene with mild violence/torture.
Ends in: HEA with extended epilogue.
My Thoughts:
Overall, I really liked this story & it kept my attention from start to finish. But there were some things that kept it from being an exceptional read.
Let’s get into what I liked first (aside from the overall plot)....
Cyrus Reed: Cyrus Reed had my attention from the moment he appeared in Conceal, but this book made me LOVE him.....
......I actually loved him more than either Price brother. He is a bad guy BUT he is such a great guy for Ivy. How he was able to be so ruthless & powerful but show her a softer more gentle side was a major plus.
The Ending: I liked how the ending went leading up to the epilogue. It was messy and not so cookie cutter/clean cut, but was still able to lead to an extended epilogue that was so incredibly sweet. I loved that Cyrus did not change who he was, he was still the villain BUT he never let it touch Ivy. I appreciated that she didn’t demand him to change, that she loved him anyways.
Now what I didn’t.....
Ivy Aldridge: It’s not that I didn’t like her, I just didn’t feel any certain way about Ivy. She didn’t leave a big lasting type impression on me. She was just “there”.....
.....she didn’t make me believe that someone like Cyrus Reed would find his “forever” with her. She was a dull character and unfortunately it didn’t feel like she was the kind of heroine that would make a man like Cyrus finally fall in love.
Repetition: I did get a little irritated with the constant repetition of certain things.....like her believing he was protecting her, that he wasn’t a bad guy, that she trusted him, etc.
I hate when authors do this bc it makes it feel like that character is trying to convince themselves or the reader instead of allowing us to see for ourselves something that’s so clear through the writing.
The “Big” Twist: What might be considered the biggest twist is pretty obvious, especially as it goes on. It’s so in your face there is no way you can’t see it. I didn’t necessarily mind that it wasn’t a shock, bc it was important to pushing the plot forward. My issue is that it wouldn’t have been so lackluster had she not constantly dropped unnecessary “hints” along the way.
The Verdict:
When it comes down to it, this isn’t going to be on my fav books list. It’s not one that made me feel anything, it was just an entertaining surface-level read. The sex was steamy, the antihero was incredible, but the heroine just didn’t stack up. I can recommend it, especially to those who like a good enemies to lovers story with a side of underworld element. But if you are the type that needs a read that promises to get your feelings involved, this is likely not the one. Still, it’s entertaining and fun, and Cyrus Reed makes one hard to resist antihero.
“She has shown me that no matter how dark and twisted I am, she will love me anyway, and even the monster can get a happy ending.”
April 14, 2020
Amazon
Cyrus Reed is a ruthless man controlling a kingdom that's as corrupt as he is. He's had to do monstrous things to get where he is today, to obtain the revenge he needs, to take down the man he seeks. He's not one to allow anyone to distract him from what he wants, not one to let light into the dark that is his empire, his soul. Then a beautiful ray of sun stumbles into his life, throws him off kilter and his world is never the same after.
Ivy's a pawn in her father's game, so when Cyrus takes her, she never even imagines the real Cyrus will become her everything. She'll do well to guard her heart, though, because Cyrus is as ruthless and cold as he's reputed to be, and he's damaged beyond almost repair. When vengeance is the primary goal, anyone can be used to achieve it, even a ray of sunshine to a dark man.
Except perhaps Cyrus didn't take Ivy to obtain the vengeance he seeks. He knew she was about to be handed over to someone even worse than he is, he may be the leader of the criminal underworld, controlling its inhabitants' fortunes and amassing one of his own, but what the Butcher does is not something even Cyrus can condone, and Ivy's light calls to his darkness. So he takes her and he aims to keep her. She's his and he'll do whatever it takes to protect her from someone even worse, someone Cyrus just so happens to want to take down. So he'll keep his Sun and keep his dark heart intact. Right?
I loved Corrupt Kingdom. Dark anti-heroes, villains, what have you, can be even more fascinating than purely good characters, and Cyrus is beyond fascinating. He's got darkness in his soul for sure, but he's not irreparable, especially once he becomes entwined with Ivy. I love how Ivy really got him, could see through to the goodness inside of him, but that he didn't completely change, rather just allowed some of her light to lighten some of the heaviness inside him. Ava Harrison always writes layered, interesting characters, but I truly think Cyrus is her most interesting, most complex, most lovable character yet. Thank God she gave him a woman his equal, someone to love all of him just the way he was.
ARC via author for an honest review.
Teasers used from author's Facebook Group.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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April 13, 2020
This incredibly HOT villain will have you embracing the darkness. He’s nobody’s hero, but he’ll become her savior.
Cyrus is a kingpin for the underworld. He’s ruthless in his business. His clients are criminals. You don’t get to be as wealthy or as powerful without leaving a trail of casualties.
Ivy is young and sweet. Too bad her only fault was being born to a man without morals. Her father gets in over his head gambling, so to match a bet he puts up his daughter.
Ivy is about to be handed over to a man with no regard for women or life. Cyrus may be many things, but skin trade is not something he tolerates. It’s his poker game, so protecting her becomes his issue.
This could mean a war with the Russian mafia, but once Cyrus sees Ivy, he’ll do what needs to be done to protect her.
A slow burn romance between a villain and the woman who who brings light to his life. He’s a man with walls so thick no one has ever gotten through...until her. She breaks him down bit by bit. Their interaction began out of necessity, but their feelings grew out of chemistry and an unlikely friendship. Cyrus is all alpha and willing to protect Ivy at all costs. She started as a complication that quickly became his everything, the only thing that mattered.
This story was steamy with elements of suspense and a few twists that will surprise you. I loved the ending and the epilogue was perfect. Enjoy this dark and sexy romance.
Cyrus is a kingpin for the underworld. He’s ruthless in his business. His clients are criminals. You don’t get to be as wealthy or as powerful without leaving a trail of casualties.
Ivy is young and sweet. Too bad her only fault was being born to a man without morals. Her father gets in over his head gambling, so to match a bet he puts up his daughter.
Ivy is about to be handed over to a man with no regard for women or life. Cyrus may be many things, but skin trade is not something he tolerates. It’s his poker game, so protecting her becomes his issue.
This could mean a war with the Russian mafia, but once Cyrus sees Ivy, he’ll do what needs to be done to protect her.
A slow burn romance between a villain and the woman who who brings light to his life. He’s a man with walls so thick no one has ever gotten through...until her. She breaks him down bit by bit. Their interaction began out of necessity, but their feelings grew out of chemistry and an unlikely friendship. Cyrus is all alpha and willing to protect Ivy at all costs. She started as a complication that quickly became his everything, the only thing that mattered.
This story was steamy with elements of suspense and a few twists that will surprise you. I loved the ending and the epilogue was perfect. Enjoy this dark and sexy romance.
July 30, 2020
Great dark romance!
I really enjoyed listening to this, first because my husband Sebastian York narrates it, and second because it's well written and flew by. It has plenty of dark elements, like Ivy being kidnapped and Cyrus being a underground crime lord. I like how they got to know each other slowly and started opening up. Ivy is pretty tough and her plan to get answers from Cyrus was pretty smart, even though she risked her health.
I loved the dog Cerberus! Dogs are the best and he's a sweetie. When he let up with his guard dog attitude and started playing with Ivy, it was adorable.
Well paced and interesting story, with a couple interesting twists. I highly recommend the audiobook!
I really enjoyed listening to this, first because my husband Sebastian York narrates it, and second because it's well written and flew by. It has plenty of dark elements, like Ivy being kidnapped and Cyrus being a underground crime lord. I like how they got to know each other slowly and started opening up. Ivy is pretty tough and her plan to get answers from Cyrus was pretty smart, even though she risked her health.
I loved the dog Cerberus! Dogs are the best and he's a sweetie. When he let up with his guard dog attitude and started playing with Ivy, it was adorable.
Well paced and interesting story, with a couple interesting twists. I highly recommend the audiobook!
April 14, 2020
If you love mafia romances, enemies to lovers, fiery passionate scenes, heroes who are villains and a sweet girl being used as a pawn in some dangerous games then this is the book for you.
Cyrus is the anti hero that you love to hate. He’s a villain through and through but once he meets Ivy she sees through everything and becomes the darkness to his light.
Another fantastic, intense read by Ava Harrison that you should definitely check out.
Cyrus is the anti hero that you love to hate. He’s a villain through and through but once he meets Ivy she sees through everything and becomes the darkness to his light.
Another fantastic, intense read by Ava Harrison that you should definitely check out.
April 29, 2020
DNF @ 29%.
I gave up on this story bc it was just pages and pages of nothing happening!! It was frustrating and boring.
I gave up on this story bc it was just pages and pages of nothing happening!! It was frustrating and boring.
April 26, 2020
Ava Harrison’s books are always an auto-buy for me. Not only are they just overall good books, I love that she connects past series and characters into each story, taking you back to the time you were encased in that characters’ life.
Corrupt Kingdom is no exception. While I think this is the start of a potentially new series, it is a stand alone, enemies-to-lovers romance. While it does deal with the mafia and some darker themes, those themes aren’t explored. This is not a dark romance, this is like a Dark Light romance – the Michelob Ultra of dark romances, if you will!
The Story
Cyrus is the king of the underworld and while he is not involved in the mob himself, he controls the mob’s money – making him a god in his own dark universe.
After he hosts a poker night for the world’s darkest characters, he learns that rules were broken and something other than money, gold, expensive belongings was bet. Someone bet flesh.
Ivy is the daughter of a man who is involved in the business of the cities criminal enterprise and her brother is as well.
One day, she is taken from her mothers’ house and wakes up in a mysterious place. The mansion, the island, and the man who owns it are all one mystery she tries to unwind but as she learns more about the mansion’s owner, the more she sees he’s not bad man.
The Characters
Ivy: Ivy just wants answers and will do just about anything to get them. She has no idea why she was taken or what her purpose is supposed to be but she’s strong and stubborn – two traits that help her push the limits of her captivity.
Cyrus: Cyrus is the king of the underworld and is afraid of no one. He surrounds himself with the most loyal people he can find and doesn’t trust many.
He’s dark and mysterious and does everything he can to protect Ivy from a scarier fate.
He’s like the storm that batters the island outside.Like a hurricane, growing, gathering strength until it strikes. I’m the eye, and he is the storm.
Let’s Talk About (the) Sex, Baby!
Racy Reader - Hot Rating
This book was HOT. Some good sexy scenes alongside a thrilling story bring the puzzle together.
She came apart in front of me, the way a flower finally opens her petals when it blooms. Erotic, sensual, a sight I will always remember even long after.
The Writing
This book feels like a modern play on the Hades & Persephone story with some very striking similarities between this myth. There’s a lot of play on light and dark, storm and sunshine, and most of all, flowers.
This is a really good book that should be added to your TBR!
Corrupt Kingdom is no exception. While I think this is the start of a potentially new series, it is a stand alone, enemies-to-lovers romance. While it does deal with the mafia and some darker themes, those themes aren’t explored. This is not a dark romance, this is like a Dark Light romance – the Michelob Ultra of dark romances, if you will!
The Story
Cyrus is the king of the underworld and while he is not involved in the mob himself, he controls the mob’s money – making him a god in his own dark universe.
After he hosts a poker night for the world’s darkest characters, he learns that rules were broken and something other than money, gold, expensive belongings was bet. Someone bet flesh.
Ivy is the daughter of a man who is involved in the business of the cities criminal enterprise and her brother is as well.
One day, she is taken from her mothers’ house and wakes up in a mysterious place. The mansion, the island, and the man who owns it are all one mystery she tries to unwind but as she learns more about the mansion’s owner, the more she sees he’s not bad man.
The Characters
Ivy: Ivy just wants answers and will do just about anything to get them. She has no idea why she was taken or what her purpose is supposed to be but she’s strong and stubborn – two traits that help her push the limits of her captivity.
Cyrus: Cyrus is the king of the underworld and is afraid of no one. He surrounds himself with the most loyal people he can find and doesn’t trust many.
He’s dark and mysterious and does everything he can to protect Ivy from a scarier fate.
He’s like the storm that batters the island outside.Like a hurricane, growing, gathering strength until it strikes. I’m the eye, and he is the storm.
Let’s Talk About (the) Sex, Baby!
Racy Reader - Hot Rating
This book was HOT. Some good sexy scenes alongside a thrilling story bring the puzzle together.
She came apart in front of me, the way a flower finally opens her petals when it blooms. Erotic, sensual, a sight I will always remember even long after.
The Writing
This book feels like a modern play on the Hades & Persephone story with some very striking similarities between this myth. There’s a lot of play on light and dark, storm and sunshine, and most of all, flowers.
This is a really good book that should be added to your TBR!
July 16, 2020
Corrupt Kingdom is a wonderfully dark romance story. I have heard a lot of great reviews about it, so I was excited to give it a go and thankfully it did not disappoint.
Cyrus is the a banker/ criminal boss, who works with and controls some of the worst people there is. He doesn't shy away from murder, torture or kidnapping, but he does draw the line when it comes to human trafficking and exploiting women. That's why he offers to save Ivy, who her father bets in one of Cyrus' poker games. Ivy doesn't know she is merely an object to her own father, and is furious when she finds herself on Cyrus's island- he kidnapped her.
Cyrus soon finds himself mesmerized by Ivy. He refers to her as Sun which I just find adorable. He is a criminal, who only shows his soft side around Ivy. For her he throws all rules out of the window, and his biggest priority from the beginning is protecting her. She is obviously afraid of him when she figures out she was kidnapped, and instead of clearing his own name and throwing her father under the bus, he stays tight lipped about why he has to protect her. While Ivy is somewhat of aa prisoner, I don't think she ever went through Stockholm Syndrome, since Cyrus isn't the bad guy in this situation.
"She might have been the pawn, but the more I know her, the more I see her as much more. She's the queen."
While I liked the plot, I did see the twist coming, and I just wasn't obsessed with it. It took me a little long to finish, but I still would highly recommend.
Cyrus is the a banker/ criminal boss, who works with and controls some of the worst people there is. He doesn't shy away from murder, torture or kidnapping, but he does draw the line when it comes to human trafficking and exploiting women. That's why he offers to save Ivy, who her father bets in one of Cyrus' poker games. Ivy doesn't know she is merely an object to her own father, and is furious when she finds herself on Cyrus's island- he kidnapped her.
Cyrus soon finds himself mesmerized by Ivy. He refers to her as Sun which I just find adorable. He is a criminal, who only shows his soft side around Ivy. For her he throws all rules out of the window, and his biggest priority from the beginning is protecting her. She is obviously afraid of him when she figures out she was kidnapped, and instead of clearing his own name and throwing her father under the bus, he stays tight lipped about why he has to protect her. While Ivy is somewhat of aa prisoner, I don't think she ever went through Stockholm Syndrome, since Cyrus isn't the bad guy in this situation.
"She might have been the pawn, but the more I know her, the more I see her as much more. She's the queen."
While I liked the plot, I did see the twist coming, and I just wasn't obsessed with it. It took me a little long to finish, but I still would highly recommend.
April 20, 2020
Corrupt Kingdom by Ava Harrison is Cyrus Reed and Ivy Aldridge's story.
What a sizzling enemies to lovers romantic suspense read!! It's angsty, steamy, intense, forbidden, touching, dark romance, and yes- the anti- hero will have you swooning all over him!!
Cyrus Reed is the King of the Underworld. He's ruthless , master manipulator, his clients are all criminals and he is so deliciously sexy!! Ivy is young, innocent, beautiful and so sweet. These two meet due something horrible that Ivy's dad did. Cyrus steps up to save Ivy from a horrific fate. Does he save her life....or does he Corrupt her ?
This is a beautiful story that has the mafia theme and the push/pull between the main characters. Great read with awesome plot and steamy scenes.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
What a sizzling enemies to lovers romantic suspense read!! It's angsty, steamy, intense, forbidden, touching, dark romance, and yes- the anti- hero will have you swooning all over him!!
Cyrus Reed is the King of the Underworld. He's ruthless , master manipulator, his clients are all criminals and he is so deliciously sexy!! Ivy is young, innocent, beautiful and so sweet. These two meet due something horrible that Ivy's dad did. Cyrus steps up to save Ivy from a horrific fate. Does he save her life....or does he Corrupt her ?
This is a beautiful story that has the mafia theme and the push/pull between the main characters. Great read with awesome plot and steamy scenes.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
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