Penelope Douglas Won Me Back: My Thoughts on Corrupt

Before picking up Corrupt, I was honestly a little nervous to read another book by Penelope Douglas. My only experience with her writing was Punk 57 (which I ADORED reading at 23) and right after, Credence. While I understand why Credence has a devoted fanbase, it wasn’t a book that worked for me. Because of that, I went into Corrupt with some hesitation and wasn’t sure if Douglas’s writing style or storytelling would deliver the dark romance I was craving this time around.

Boy, am I glad I gave her another chance.

I haven’t felt this hot and bothered by a book in a while.

One of the things I appreciated most was how Douglass paced the story. Rather than overwhelming readers with information from the start, the mystery unfolds at a digestible pace. The Horsemen are introduced to us as bullies, but they’re written with enough mystery and intrigue that I couldn’t stop wanting to learn more about them. The balance between spice, tension, and plot just felt right for me. However, the larger plot doesn’t come together until about 50-60% mark, which could be a drawback for readers who like faster-paced stories.

Thankfully, Erika and Michael’s chemistry carried me through the slower build. Their tension was addictive. There were multiple moments where I had to put my Kindle down and stare into space for a second to decompress. And the locker room scene? Yeah. I won’t be forgetting that one anytime soon.

I enjoyed the dual timeline and the glimpses into the Horsemen’s histories. Kai completely stole every scene he was in. Every time he disappeared from the page, I found myself wondering when he was coming back. If his book is next, I’ll be a very happy girl!

My biggest issue with Corrupt is that I still feel like I barely know Michael. By the end of the book, I understood Erika inside and out– her fears, motivations, and growth. Michael? Not so much. Considering everything he goes through and everything revealed at the end, I expected to come away with a stronger understanding of who he is beneath the tough exterior.

Overall, it was incredibly addictive. Even with the slower start and my complaints about Michael’s characterization, I tore through this book in two days. I’m already desperate to continue the series, partly because I need answers and partly because I’m hopelessly invested in the Horsemen.

Kai’s book can’t come soon enough.

As for Damon… well. Those who have read Corrupt know exactly why I’m approaching that book with caution.

And with Will? I know I will be crying.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐

#EAS #WEA for Coles, #IL; #Cumberland, #IL; #Douglas, #IL: National Weather Service: SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING in effect for this area until 7:30 PM CDT for DESTRUCTIVE baseball size hail and 80 mph winds. Take shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows. People and animals outdoors will be severely injured. Source: NWS Lincoln IL

** DO NOT RELY ON THIS FEED FOR LIFE SAFETY, SEEK OUT OFFICIAL SOURCES ***

#EAS #WEA for Coles, #IL; #Douglas, #IL; #Moultrie, #IL; #Piatt, #IL: National Weather Service: SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING in effect for this area until 7:00 PM CDT for DESTRUCTIVE 80 mph winds. Take shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows. Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Source: NWS Lincoln IL

** DO NOT RELY ON THIS FEED FOR LIFE SAFETY, SEEK OUT OFFICIAL SOURCES ***

#EAS #WEA for Coles, #IL; #Douglas, #IL: National Weather Service: #TORNADO WARNING in this area until 6:30 PM CDT. Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Check media. Source: NWS Lincoln IL

** DO NOT RELY ON THIS FEED FOR LIFE SAFETY, SEEK OUT OFFICIAL SOURCES ***

#EAS #WEA for Champaign, #IL; #Douglas, #IL; #Piatt, #IL: National Weather Service: #TORNADO WARNING in this area until 6:00 PM CDT. Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Check media. Source: NWS Lincoln IL

** DO NOT RELY ON THIS FEED FOR LIFE SAFETY, SEEK OUT OFFICIAL SOURCES ***

#EAS #WEA for Champaign, #IL; #De Witt, #IL; #Douglas, #IL; #Macon, #IL; #Piatt, #IL: National Weather Service: #TORNADO WARNING in this area until 5:00 PM CDT. Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Check media. Source: NWS Lincoln IL

** DO NOT RELY ON THIS FEED FOR LIFE SAFETY, SEEK OUT OFFICIAL SOURCES

Als je een houten tuinset van Douglas uit Nederlandse bossen koopt moet ie nog wel in de olie. Als het vanmorgen nu even niet regent is ii in twee uur droog volgens de folder.
Nou ja 2x twee uur want de kwast kan nu dus niet bij de zijkant. En er is ook vast een oplossing voor in de kieren?

Hij is fucking zwaar trouwens. En ik vind de rubber dopjes onder de poten zo'n mooi detail want daar rot een tafel het hardst natuurlijk. Extra punten oor thuins (de leverancier).
#tuin #nederland #bos #sbb #douglas #hout

Photo of the Day 11th June 2026.

‘Throw Thursday 11th June 2026.

#EAS #WEA for Champaign, #IL; #Douglas, #IL: National Weather Service: #TORNADO WARNING in this area until 1:00 AM CDT. Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Check media. Source: NWS Lincoln IL

** DO NOT RELY ON THIS FEED FOR LIFE SAFETY, SEEK OUT OFFICIAL SOURCES ***