King of Corium

Corium University, Book 1

By: J. L. Beck, C. Hallman

Narrated by: Zara Eden, Connor Brown

Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's Summary

She came here for protection, but that’s the last thing she's going to find.

Welcome to Corium University, where the most dangerous criminals in the world send their offspring. Assassins, mafia leaders, arms dealers, and art thieves—you name it, this college houses them. Nothing can touch us here.

The only rule: No one can die. I knew she would be here.

Aspen was my enemy in every shape of the word. A liar, a thief. I wanted revenge for my family, revenge against her father. I knew the rules. Knew I couldn’t kill her, but I could hurt her. I could make her wish she never came to Corium. She wasn’t made for this place.

If she thought the university was the only nightmare she would have to face, she was wrong. I was the king, and this was my kingdom.

King of Corium is a new adult, enemies-to-lovers, dark romance that contains dark themes, including dub-con, and non-con. It is not a stand-alone novel.

©2021 Bleeding Heart Press (P)2022 Pink Flamingo Productions

Arghhhhh

This is the first book I've read/listened to by J.L. Beck and C. Hallman. It is DARK. Possibly the darkest I've read/listened to so far. My heart broke for Aspen. I cried for her. I cannot get over what I've just heard. Quinton has a L-O-N-G way to go to earn my trust? Respect? Heart? Can I get over this beginning to get there? He did waver about how he and the others treated Aspen, somewhat. But let's face it. He raped Aspen. Because this is fantasy, I'll put it in a little box and set it aside for now. The rest of the storyline has me intrigued. I'm dying for answers. And that cliffhanger!!! It was brutal. The wait for the next audiobooks is painful. Trying to decide if I want to go read them first!

I want to add that at first, I almost turned the audiobook off thinking I was about to listen to a copycat story. I was grumbling in my head that I couldn't believe how close this was to another series I've read. But it's NOT. Not really. It became all it's own shorty after it started. Glad I stuck with it.

Conner Brown and Zara Eden are excellent narrators. They were perfect for this book. Their performances made this audiobook roll like a movie in my head. So easy to listen to for longer periods of time!!

#PinkFlamingoProductions
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer

Dark bully romance

This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I love that! Take note of the trigger warnings, this book may be a little too dark for some. That said, I personally enjoyed the book. Its a mid to fast paced book, full of drama & angst.

Ummm

I get it, it’s a dark romance but jeez this girl has a serious case of Stockholm Syndrome. Quinn is a pretty sick and twisted guy and Adele is like boiled and unseasoned chicken breast. I think all of the woman are so poorly written. Adele literally has no skills, she’s not a badass, cannot do a thing for herself. I love how the author keeps mentioning that she’s smart when the only sign of her true intelligence is when she said “I thought we were becoming equals” after she was choked out by Quinn. Haha like yes, this guy has been repeatedly assaulting you and the moment he’s a tad bit nice you think you two are becoming equals!?!? Quinn’s sister, scarlet, is 15 years but acts like she’s 10. Ana, a Russian babe who sounds so cool is written to be some horrid creature. Also, love how Quinn called Adele’s mind “slimy” because of the whole bracelet incident and she might use it as blackmail one day……Sir….you’ve been sexually assaulting this woman the entire serious and HER MIND IS SLIMY!? Would’ve been a much better book if we got to see more of Brittany and if Adele was actually cool and kicked some ass, forcing people to respect her.

dark, intense

This story is dark, intense.
Aspen is the enemy, due to her father's actions.
Her mother said it was the safest place for her. But was it really?
Quinton and Aspen have sexual chemistry, but not love. THis enemies, bullies relationship is just at the beginning stages, with a mind blowing cliffy that leaves me wanting for more.
Zara Eden & Connor Brown narration is very good.
🎧🎧audiobookObsession🎧🎧

Corium University

King of Corium (Corium University, Book 1) is explicitly dark romance that is difficult to listen to certain parts. I was intrigued from the prologue and at the cliffhanger ending I was very intrigued. I didn't enjoy a portion of the story which is why I only gave it four stars instead of five.
I did really like Aspen's character very much. She is a compelling character. Quinton is a enigmatic character who's "fantasy" did not sit well with me. I'm still on the fence with his character redeeming qualitys. I did like the aspect of Quentin grieving, which os one of the reasons for his ruthless behavior. My favorite supporting character is the librarian (I forget her name). The plot is addictive and I can't wait to listen to book two in this new adult dark bully college romance .

Zara Eden, Connor Brown dual narration was purely ambrosian. I was transfixed by the voices. Zara's sweet and spicy tone was perfect portrayal of Aspen. Connor became the character and enveloped himself into the role.

Dark and Intense!

This is the first book in the Corium University series, a dark bully romance. Aspen and Quinton’s story is very dark and intense, filled with angst, danger, secrets, family drama, and twists and turns. Aspen is such a fantastic character, innocent, and resilient, but strong, smart, and combative. Her story is heartbreaking, and my heart broke for her. Quenton is dark, ruthless, dominant, and enigmatic. He is grieving the loss of his sister. The world building is enthralling. Some scenes are very intense. This definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. This isn’t a standalone, and the story ends with a huge cliffhanger. This first installment is heartbreakingly captivating. Zara Eden and Connor Brown did an outstanding job with the narration. Looking forward to listening to Drop Dead Queen, the next book in the series. If you like dark bully romance this one definitely for you. #TheFlock

King of Corbin

*** TRIGGER WARNINGS ** This is the first book in the Corium University series. This top secret college is for the children of criminals across the globe. The worst thing to be is a RAT. Aspen’s father got caught by the Feds and told a bunch of secrets and became the most wanted “RAT”. Now everyone at Corium has automatically labeled Aspen as a RAT. The son of her father’s number one enemy is also attending Corium this year. She has tried everything to stay off of Quinton’s radar, but that wasn’t in the cards. This book is brutal. I will highly suggest you check the trigger warnings on this book. I loved all the dark and twisted angst. This book ends on one major cliffhanger! I need the next book ASAP! Zara Eden and Connor Brown did a fantastic job narrating this book.

Awesome

I love and have always looked forward to books by these talented authors. I always know I’ll be in for a treat that will keep me hooked and reading until the very end. AudiobookObsessionsReviewer & PinkFlamingoProductions

Dark Enemies To Lovers Bully Romance

King of Corium by J.L. Beck and C. Hallman is a dark enemies-to-lovers bully romance that I listened to audio narrated by Zara Eden and Connor Brown. This is the first book in the Corium University Series.

This is the first book of J.L. Beck and C. Hallman's that I have read, and it won't be my last. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I am loving the messed-up relationship between Aspen and Quinton. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

The book ends on an amazing cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait to read the next book in the series Drop Dead Queen.

Zara and Connor did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you like dark romances, enemies to lovers romances, bully romances, or romantic suspense.


The Flock Team
Audiobook Obsession Reviewer

wow

I don't want to give any spoilers ..
This one is a bit hard to listen too but clearly you can see the morals of Q underneath his pain and anger but some things he does I do not agree with and I hope that she gives him hell for it and not just forgives. I really feel for Aspen and how hard she has it when she herself has done nothing but she is a strong ass female.! just so you know book two is not listed under the series links but is on audible and has to be searched separate. I listened to this in a day and immediately started the second. I'm sad book 3 is not yest on audible and book 4 I'd not out yet. uhhggg. Same narrator as the plated prisoner series and had to speed up a little to sound less robotic but not a bad narrator the speed is just too slow.

Long awaited.

I have been waiting for this audio and it was well worth the wait. The narrators did an amazing performance and now live in my head. The performance really fit what I pictured when I read the story. This is such a riveting story, and the characters are multi dimensional. The dialogue is pretty hot and keep you attached.

🦩🦩 Flock Review 🦩🦩

Loved it!

King of Corium kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning all the way to that cliffhanger ending. It is intense, dangerous, violent and addictive. There are lots of triggers in this story so it's not for everyone. Aspen is a character that I can sympathize with but, so far, Quinton seems to have no redeeming qualities. I can't wait to see how their story continues in the next book. Zara Eden and Connor Brown both did an excellent job bringing this story to life.
🎧Pink Flamingo Productions, The Flock Reviewer

Excuse me what?

What on earth did I just listen to? This was a disturbingly seductive story with a wtf cliffhanger leaving you needing to know what happens next!

Outstanding dark college bully romance!

This is one book I would have listened to straight through if I didn’t have things like work to interfere with this excellent story. So well written and intriguing, this dark tale holds you and ends on a cliff hanger.

Be forewarned; it is dark, so read and heed the trigger warnings. Corium University is the college education for the children of the world’s best and most dangerous criminals. The one rule is that the students cannot kill each other, but that’s cold comfort for Aspen. Aspen is a freshman and daughter of a “rat”, which puts a huge target on her back. Her father’s betrayal and current prison sentence leaves her vulnerable to her fellow students who want payback, even if she’s innocent in all of this.

Quinton is the son and heir of a Mafia king, and his family’s enterprise suffered from Aspen’s father’s loose tongue. He loathes Aspen on sight, even though he acknowledges her beauty and intelligence. He decides Aspen is a target, attraction be damned. But despite the battle lines, they cannot stay away from each other. Quinton finds himself in the unique position of protector and tormentor. Aspen is stronger than she realizes, but always being on guard is exhausting. She needs all the help she can get.

I loved this gritty romance. The narration was top-notch, and the authors hit it out of the park again. Their books are always excellent, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Highly recommend- on to book 2!

Aspen and Quinton!

Aspen finds herself in danger through no fault of her own and her best chance for survival is by attending Corium, but she couldn’t be more wrong. All she wants is to keep a low profile however she is about to find out that being ostracized by the other students and staff would be preferable to the attention she is receiving from Quinton.

Quinton is heir apparent to the Rossi family and he knows what that entails. He is going through a difficult time in his life so making Aspen’s life as difficult as possible is two fold as not only does he get the vengeance he needs but he wants her to feel the same pain he is feeling.

Quinton holds a position of power and strength at the school and he uses that to his advantage while you can’t help but feel empathy for Aspen as you see everything she has to endure on a daily basis. The narrators do a great job of drawing you into the characters of Quinton and Aspen and the situation they find themselves in. 🎧 Audiobook Obsession

Dark Enemies To Lovers Bully Romance

King of Corium by J.L. Beck and C. Hallman is a dark enemies-to-lovers bully romance that I listened to audio narrated by Zara Eden and Connor Brown. This is the first book in the Corium University Series.

This is the first book of J.L. Beck and C. Hallman's that I have read, and it won't be my last. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I am loving the messed-up relationship between Aspen and Quinton. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

The book ends on an amazing cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait to read the next book in the series Drop Dead Queen.

Zara and Connor did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you like dark romances, enemies to lovers romances, bully romances, or romantic suspense.


The Flock Team
Audiobook Obsession Reviewer

No no no no!!!!

Oh my God how can you do this to us? This book is amazing. With a well written intense storyline and fantastically written characters I really enjoyed this book. I can’t believe it ended like that and I really want to hurt the authors!! A fantastic performance from both narrators.
#PinkFlamingoProductions
#FlockReview
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer

Keeps you on the edge and wanting more!

This is one of those books. You know, the kind that make you cringe, but you have to keep looking? Aspen is off to Corium University. It is where all the crime families send their kids. But Aspen is the daughter of a rat, and she knows this is not going to be the normal college experience. Quentin's family is one that took the brunt of Aspen's father's betrayal, and he is going to do whatever he can to make her life miserable. But there is something about her that makes him want to be with her, and protect her. At the same time, he is cruel and delves out punishments. It's a contradictory story, and we can feel it building. Aspen is a very strong heroine. She takes life one day at a time, does what she can to make her life bearable, and is forming an unhealthy attachment to Quentin. Quentin is hard to like and impossible not to empathize with. Things are not always as they appear, and I can tell you, this book kept me riveted. Left with a major cliffhanger, I cannot wait to hear what happens next at Corium U!

Zara Eden and Connor Brown are well suited for their roles. Eden has a young sound, perfect as the damsel in distress and at the same time, has a strength that emulates through. Brown is the conflicted Quentin. He plays the tough, nasty man he has been raised to be, but still has that soft heart. It's a good casting and a great listen.