Yesterday morning, right when I was rolling out my yoga mat, Marcus appeared in the hallway wearing a Halloween mask and scared me half to death. I spilled my coffee, laughed anyway, and wondered where he gets that mischievous streak. Maybe it’s from me—because later that night, I stayed up far too late reading Corrupt by Penelope Douglas. It’s the kind of story that pulls you in with equal parts dread and desire, the reading version of watching thunderclouds roll across Colorado Springs. I was supposed to get up early for client edits, but once I started this book, there was no chance of sleep. Sometimes the storms outside just match the ones inside the pages.
Plot Summary
Corrupt (Devil’s Night Book 1) by Penelope Douglas opens the dark, addictive world of the Devil’s Night series. Set in the wealthy town of Thunder Bay, it follows Erika Fane, a young woman haunted by her past connection to Michael Crist—the enigmatic leader of a group of privileged, reckless men. Years after a fateful night that changed her life, Erika is drawn once again into their dangerous orbit. The story alternates between past and present, blending romance, revenge, and psychological tension. Through intense emotion and vivid atmosphere, the novel explores the blurred lines between attraction and fear, loyalty and betrayal, darkness and redemption.
Why I Love This Book
I love how bold and unapologetic the writing feels. The tension isn’t just romantic—it’s emotional, mental, almost physical in the way it grips you. The characters are messy and complicated, and I appreciate that Douglas doesn’t try to tidy them up. Erika’s strength builds quietly, and watching her evolve through fear and vulnerability feels surprisingly empowering. The pacing is electric, the atmosphere gothic and cinematic. I also love how the story dives deep into power dynamics and trust, showing that intimacy sometimes comes only after facing the darkest parts of yourself. Every chapter made me feel something—whether fascination, frustration, or pure adrenaline.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy dark romance full of psychological edge, revenge plots, and morally gray characters, Corrupt will probably hit that sweet spot. I think readers who like enemies-to-lovers tension, suspenseful pacing, and emotional chaos will love it as much as I did. It’s not light or easy—it’s raw, fast-moving, and sometimes uncomfortable—but that’s what makes it so immersive. I wouldn’t call it a fairytale romance, but it’s definitely a story that stays with you long after the last page.
⚠️ Trigger warning: sexual assault implications, psychological manipulation, violence, stalking, and explicit sexual content. The story includes morally gray behavior and intense emotional themes.
Tagged As
dark romance, romantic suspense, enemies-to-lovers, revenge romance, college setting, bad boy hero, morally gray characters, forbidden attraction, psychological tension, high angst, Penelope Douglas, Devil’s Night series, spicy romance, gothic atmosphere
Steam Level
The steam level is intense and explicit, involving dominant and darkly charged power play. The scenes are graphic but purposeful, amplifying character tension and emotional reckoning rather than existing purely for shock value. Not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable for readers who love their romance dangerous and daring.
