Tainted Deception

Little Haven #1

by Kay Riley

Jace and Kian. Best friends until a gang rivalry ripped them apart. Three summers ago, I played them both, never expecting to have guilt over what I did.

Once I got what I needed, I fled, planning to never see them again. I stayed tucked away at Little Haven University, hidden in plain sight while making moves in the dark. This town is wanted by the surrounding gangs, and it’s my job to make sure that doesn’t happen.

For three years, everything went smoothly until Jace and Kian show up on campus with every intent to take all I worked for. They want revenge for what I did to them, and now I have to watch my back no matter where I am. That’s why my boss sent Gage here. He’s supposed to keep an eye on me, but instead he thinks he can control my every move.

All three of these boys have it in their head that I can’t handle myself.
It’ll be fun to prove them wrong.

*Tainted Deception is book 1 in a series and ends in a cliffhanger. It is dark romance, and the main female character will end up with more than one love interest. This series is interconnected to my other series, but all can be read independently. For more information on the content, please visit the author’s website.*

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Smut, Crime

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2023

About the author

Kay Riley writes dark contemporary and paranormal romance. She loves writing feisty, strong heroines, and keeps things interesting with unexpected twists. Kay grew up in the Midwest but has lived in some amazing places, including Japan.
When she's not writing, she is spending time with her husband and kids. She loves cats, coffee, reading, and her guilty pleasure is watching reality shows.

Reviews

[Sanrizz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author. I thought it would be a reverse harem story, but it was more three douchebags in competition to see who has the bigger dick... or... who IS the bigger dick. If you like Me Tarzan, you Jane type of heroes, then this really is the book for you.

I thought 37 chapters were too long. So slow-paced with a heroine that packed little a punch. Sure, she had some scenes where it was evident that she could defend herself, but the toughest thing about her was the fact that she enjoyed telling people to fuck off . It seemed as if the heroine asserted her Xena, Warrior Princess persona more through her truckstop lingo than anything else.

How did a good-looking woman earn everyone's respect on campus? What is the history of the town? What is the background story of the gangs? Do they have Russian ties? Italian? Irish? Or just ... what? What is each gang known for? Gambling? TIP? Stealing stuff and selling it? Who gets a cut of what and who doesn't mess with what because they will infringe on someone else's territory?

How did she learn to fight? How long did she train? And again, I'd like to know how she managed to get men to respect her and work for her.

I didn't like the chemistry between either of the characters. I don't think there were enough sparks in the air. The most chemistry she had was with Gage. I didn't like the sex scene... I don't know. I just didn't really like this book.

There's potential, but I think work needs to be put into character development (especially making the heroes relatable and likable), world-building, and explaining who's who and owns what.

Will I read the second book? Maybe if I'm bored enough... then sure.

[K.M. Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved this book! Once I hit about the 50% mark I was sucked in so far that couldn’t put it down until I finished!

If you love a good why choose, enemies to lovers book with a strong FMC gangs and 3 MMCs who are all the touch her and 💀 because she’s mine type then you will love this book!

Rynn our FMC doesn’t take 💩 from anyone. She built up a reputation at her school and runs it. Jace and Kian are from 2 rival gangs and they both want to claim the territory that Rynn runs for their gangs. Problem is, they both have a history with her and they also want to claim her for themselves!

The only part of this book that disappointed me was the end because I wanted more and of course the cliffhanger.. ughh!

I can’t wait for book 2 so that we can find out more about Rynns boss and see her relationship with the boys continue to develop!

🌶🌶/5
Touch her and 💀
Mine
Why choose

[Jenn (myspookybookishlife) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a 4.5, I love it so freaking much. I love meeting all the players in these books and love Rynn attitudes toward people telling her what to do. Gage kind of annoyed me with his overbearing behavior towards her, but I understand he was trying to protect her. I don’t think I can pick a favorite out of her boys each one of them grids my gears, especially Jace who thinks he can control her under his step-father’s orders to protect her. I hate Chris so freaking much and wish he’d get his already. Her story made me sad and it makes me understand her need to not give into either of the boys…here’s to finding out what happens next.

[E. Molgaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

so enticing

This was an addicting book. I couldn’t put it down. There is so much hate between the characters that it just pulls you in. I absolutely love Rynn she’s fierce and in power but I don’t really like Jace, Kian or Gage. They can’t handle she has more power always grabbing her and trying to manipulate her to bow. Gage is the only one at the end that actually wins me over. This is definitely not a romance yet but I can’t wait to see how Rynn is going to get out of the situation she’s in.

[Danielle Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AH WHAT WAS THAT CLIFFHANGER!? Kay Riley has been a favorite of mine since I read Ruby’s Revenge and I swear each book she puts out gets better and better right when I think it can’t go up from there.

So we meet Rynn who works for Ellie, a character we have seen in other books before and know she’s a powerful player in the gang scene. Kay has a knack for creating strong heroines who don’t take shit and challenge any guy they’re with whether it’s one or a harem. This why choose was perfect. Rynn gives her guys a run for their money, and what I loved was that they weren’t already an established group like we see in so many RH books. They’re actually all enemies / ex friends and it was crazy to see how Rynn used that to her advantage.

This book has tension, angst, banter and spice and honestly you’re rooting for her and all of the guys. As of right now I have to say Gage is my favorite, although the ending has you a little worried about him and what he went through. I’m also so curious about his past. I can’t wait to see what happens next after the developments in the last chapter and I’m looking forward to Kian and Jace learning who the real villains in their stories are because it’s definitely not Rynn!

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfect release by Kay Riley.

I am absolutely obsessed with Rynn- she's literally the perfect bad ass. Now add in 3 possessive men? (Gage is probably my fav is )

The tension, plot AND spice all tied together BEAUTIFULLY.

I'm obsessed and can't wait for the next book.

✨also can we talk about how beautiful this cover is!?✨

[Korra Kalaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books ended made me so upset. Should she be acting how she did? Absolutely. Should the boys respond the way they did? Also absolutely. If I didn’t have an 8am tomorrow I would stay up all night reading this series

[Crystal Suchon · Rating 5 out of 5]

giggling & kicking my feet with this one. so good

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

i’m hoping that these get better once i get into the next book. it’s not bad, and it’s entertaining enough to keep me interested, but i want to know more about these people and the gangs.

why are 3+ gangs fighting over one college?? what exactly does each gang want?? what’s ellie’s deal? what does she control and why would everyone be afraid of her?

is there a larger city that’s really where these turf wars are relevant? how much territory does each gang have? what are their major business practices?? we have almost no knowledge of who controls what (guns, drugs, etc) except for a throwaway line when jace and kian are betting against each other. that line does mention being in control of running guns through southern california, but it feels very silly that all these people are fighting so intensely over this one little school that seems to be in a small town.

there’s just a lot here that isn’t addressed, and i know this is a three book series, so some of it might get answered later, but right now it just feels like everything is happening for no reason? again, if one of these gangs is responsible for running guns throughout all of southern california, why are they having 10 people at a time come to some rinky dink college town to play poker??

there’s a lot of potential here, but so far, the characters aren’t particularly defined, the motivations for the gangs are unclear, and the sex isn’t hot enough to be memorable.

so i’m hoping the next book answers more questions than it asks or else i will be very confused and disappointed with the wasted potential of this setup.

[Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

DO NOT READ IF YOU HATE CONTROLLING POSSESSIVE OVERBEARING MEN. Because this book is reeking of it. don't get me wrong I love when a man is possessive but this book just made me hate the men. Usually author's will make you love the male love interests more than you hate them but in this book it was quite the opposite like Im convinced the author wants the readers to hate the male love interests because they pissed me off so much and I just continued reading hoping that Rynn would get her revenge and leave or the men would have character development but I guess I should've knew my dreams were to good to come true. The only reason I do think the author wanted the readers to like the guys was because of the small things they did from time to time, when we would get the guy's POV's, and when I remembered they didn't want to care about her considering she fucked them over but they still did despite being fucked over by her multiple times and then I would second guess myself but man those moments didn't last long. I genuinely think I would have liked this book if it weren't for the men and I think what threw me off was the fact that I wasn't used to author's having most if not all the love interests being mostly unlikable Im used to having author's have at least one guy being unlikable and the others likeable and all the love interests getting a turn at being the unlikable one at some point in the book but they all eventually made up for it on their own so I guess that might be why I didn't like this book considering the guys were practically always being controlling fucks who followed their daddies orders.


I love that Gage did a little game of this or that to figure out what she liked in bed.

And I find it hilarious how when Jace and Kian thought it was each other who was trying to kick them out of school they started fighting but when they found out it was Rynn they all agreed to start a competition to see if Jace or Kian would be able to make her cum first.

I hate the fact that the men think they can control her when they see fits and want her to just obey their orders and when she refuses they always get physical and start gripping her arm or something until they realize she's not going to give them what they want and it's not a one time thing it happens multiple fucking times in a chapter and it's so annoying. Especially Gage even after Rynn had told Ellie their boss everything and Ellie told him he wasn't there to control Rynn he was there to protect her and you know what he said? He said "she doesn't listen" that shit made me so mad because he still wanted Rynn to obey him when he's beneath her and not above her like he's acting. I would get it if he had the power and authority to boss Rynn around but he doesn't so it's just embarrassing for him. Then Gage had the nerve to be mad that she went to their boss just like he did when things weren't going his way. And then guess what later on he defies her orders again which gets him in trouble with Jace's father because Jace's father was testing him and he failed because he couldn't fucking listen and it not only fucking bit him in the ass but it but Rynn in the ass too because her bodyguard couldn't fucking listen.

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just didn't do it for me, I liked the concept of the RH guys not liking each other but I found I didn't like ANY of the characters not even half way through. There were little to no character arcs or development and the second and third act were pretty much the same. I'm not going to continue the series if the first book annoyed me so much.

We learn that the FMC, Rynn, spent the summer with Kian and Jace but we have no clue what exactly they did. Just that she played them both to gain information to take them both down only to not use it because her boss, Ellie, says so with no further context?? And then Rynn is just going off to college for the next three years only a town over? Seems like a dumb idea especially when she's still using the name she used with them 3 years later, but okay.

Gage was the only character I liked until he became extremely possessive and couldn't even let her make her own damn decisions. Then with Kian and Jace treating her like a fucking thing to own was unbelievably disgusting. None of them had any redeeming qualities and we have no idea why they are fiercely in love with her because we have no clue what occured over that summer to bring them close. Gage is the only one we see her build a relationship with and even that's really terrible.

Rynn, my god she was by far the most annoying. She's constantly like "don't mess with me!" like she could cut them down by herself only for her to be cut down or outsmarted in half a second. For someone who has been in a gang (or an organization??) since she was 13 and given such a big responsibility task, you would think she would have been smarter, better at defending herself, and better schooled on controlling her facial expressions/reactions. I know the author said she writes feisty FMCs but this was not it.

The thing that just annoyed me was the turf war over some private college in a small town...like, it's a school, that's it! Not a government building, or thriving major city, or an organization that's a powerhouse. It's not believable. Gangs fighting over a school...for what? To sell more drugs? They take it over and then the rich kids who attend leave and then there goes their money. It's just not a believable reason. Not even midway through the book I just kept thinking "it's a school, this is not worth it" but I kept reading in hopes of at least getting some idea as to what Ellie has planned, something to keep me reading and wanting to read the next book. But nooooo, it just ended on a very predictable "cliffhanger" that was just back to these guys using her as a thing for, again, power over a school?? IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE

I can't even name how many times Rynn thought about dropping Ellie's name but then didn't because a) it would ruin whatever they were building at some school or b) she wanted to prove she could handle things. It's like in every chapter and really unnecessary to keep bringing up. But maybe if she was actually a feisty, strong, smart FMC she wouldn't have to think about dropping the name every 5 seconds because she's in deep shit.

[Razzle Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚SERIES REVIEW📚

Little Haven series by Kay Riley (Books 1&2)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️+/3
Genres: dark contemporary romance
Tropes: mafia, why choose, possessive MMCs, forbidden romance, university setting, forced proximity, enemies to lovers

Jace and Kian are the sons of two rival gangs, but still managed to be best friends growing up. That changed the summer they were 18 when a mysterious girl led them both on and leaked secrets about both gangs (causing unrest between them). Both Jace and Kian realize it was her that caused this, but don’t inform their fathers (due to having developed feelings for her).

Flash forward a few years, and Rynn (mystery girl) is attending college at a prestigious university that just so happens to be in neutral territory (and is located between the territories of Jace and Kian’s rival gangs). In an attempt to take over that territory, both Jace and Kian get sent to attend senior year at this university.

This is a problem for Rynn, both since she runs this school (and is trying to secure the territory for her boss) and because she leaked personal information to Jace and Kian the summer she betrayed them (because she also had developed feelings for them).

Rynn, with the help of a broody but very attractive guy that her boss sent (Gage), try to remove Jace’s and Kian’s gangs from the university. Throughout the series, Rynn realizes that she still has feelings for Jace and Kian, and also starts to develop feelings for Gage. She slowly reveals details of her life before being in a gang to both the boys and the reader, and the mystery of what gang she belongs to is uncovered.

This series is multi-POV, and both book 1 and book 2 end on cliffhangers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wow, these were intense (in the best way possible). There was a lot of spice and heat throughout, but somehow the author also managed to weave a captivating storyline in as well.

My only real issue was that some of the character traits were a bit inconsistent, like the characters would make choices that didn’t seem consistent with their previous actions/words/choices. Additionally, book 1 was a bit confusing in terms of character motivations but it becomes more clear in book 2.

Overall I really enjoyed this series, and am looking forward to when book 3 is released! If you like dark romance, mafia romance, or spicy & possessive MMCs, this series should definitely go on your TBR.

Thank you to author for a copy of book 2 to read and review ✨

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

👑I seriously loved every second of this book! 👑

this is a hard review to write because I have so many positive things to say and words are not forming without spoilers. So many highlights 😂🫣🤤 I tried so hard to slow down once I got to the 50% marker. If I didn’t force myself to stop I would have finished it the same day I downloaded it 😫😍
*If you like action, spice 🔥, criminal/ gang worlds, why choose, little of the bodyguard, a lot on the enemies to lovers (all 4 are enemies)
👑 fmc who is-
strong, independent, and takes no 💩.
☠️ 3 mmcs who are-
-grumpy, possessive alpha male
-golden retriever energy
-the “I’m acting like a ahole but it’s really to cover up that I care to much”
🃏THEN LOOK NO FURTHER🃏

I had a field day with Rynn and Gage.the banter mixed With the amount of times she gave him the slip and how she did it was so perfect for her character! him being so headstrong and possessive mixed with her “I do what I want when I want” was 👩‍🍳💋
“Gage: Bold of you to assume I’d hurt a guy just because he touches you.” 🤤🚩
I loved seeing jace and kian subtly getting along in the presence of rynn but acting as if it was the end of the world to save face. I cannot wait to find out their backstory. I have a strong feeling kian is going to be the one she never has to wonder if he will side with her or the first to cave to her plans, wants, needs. They each had such strong characteristics and qualities that I couldn’t make myself love one more then the other 😫🤤🔥

📝 if your looking for a twist on your average tropes, a plot you will never guess, a fun and exhilarating read, then Kay Riley’s books are the perfect match.
this one is no different 😍😍
I’m so ready book 2 😫
Solid 10/10 would 100% recommend.
All of the stars. ❤️

[Natalia Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start, this book is just WOW!!!!! It was 🤯🤯

I wish it wasn’t over until the next book 😭😭

There are so many thing things that were happening that it just hooked you in in the first chapter. There are so many things that I want to say but can’t because I want to avoid giving any thing away. 🫣🫣

If you are looking for a book that has action, spice 🌶️, criminal/gang worlds, why choose 😏😏, a bodyguard that is possessive, enemies to lovers (they all are enemies 🤭)

👑The FMC 👑
She is strong, independent, and doesn’t take no 💩.

3 MMC that are
Grumpy, possessive alpha male, Golden retriever energy towards her, what I mean is “they act like the don’t care but they really do”.

Then you should add this 📕 to your TBR…

I loved how Jace and Kian were unintentionally getting along when around Rynn but acting like it would kill them to save face. I can’t wait to see why they are enemies. I love the banter between Gage and Rynn, and how she give him the slip every time. Honestly, she is just amazing. Gage is everything she needs in a bodyguard but his possessiveness and not letting her out of his sight, drives Rynn crazy. How she pays him back for his over protectiveness is just 👩🏻‍🍳💋. I honestly can’t say I have a favorite because the are all have such strong characteristics and unique qualities. It just hard to pick. 😫😏🔥

If you are wanting plot twist on your avenge tropes, a plot that keeps you guessing what’s next, a exhilarating storyline then you need to read Kay Riley’s books 📚. They are amazing and you will get hooked fast.

I can’t wait for book 2
If I could give more stars then I would but this book is a 10/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will 100% recommend
Just absolutely loved it ❤️

[Elizabeth Swartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔪 🃏 🥊
🌟 ARC BOOK REVIEW 🌟
Tainted Deception by Kay Riley
🎶 Vicious - Bohnes

ARC review. Releases 5.12.23
Hot Damn. This is another amazing book from Kay and I couldn’t stop! This book definitely gives the action with a hint of mystery. Rynn is out for revenge, we learned one reason, but I’m still stuck with what more! This is reverse harem yet they are all enemies. While they all have feelings towards Rynn, none of the men like eachother. It makes for quite an interesting concept, yet the drama it entails is addictive.

This book is also interconnected to other books written by Kay and set in the same gang worlds as the rest. We got a hint of who we will see from her other books and I just can’t wait. Part of my favorite things to read in books is when the author connected to other series!

Now, due to the animosity there isn’t too much spice yet in this book. However, it would seem Rynn may have played her revenge too fast and strong with Gage because that cliffhanger…… and subsequent outcome with Kian and Jace may be more than Rynn can handle. Seems Rynn may no longer be the ruler of Little Haven. With the tides turning, how will the shift in the Harem work?

I’m intrigued to see where this can go. What secrets have to come out in order to make this harem cohesive? In other words I. Need. More.

⚠️ g@ng v!olence, murd€e, ass@ult and abu$e ⚠️

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

[Ana Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of a why choose series full of secrets and betrayal.

When I read Kay’s books I know it’s going to get my heart racing, from the plot and from the sexy scenes. I’m always on the edge of my seat, I almost always finish her books in one seating and this one is no different.

I love why choose romances because I love the big cast of characters and the complexity in the relationships between them. In this one basically everyone hates everyone and it’s so fun.

Jace and Kian hate each other since they joined different gangs. Rynn works for a third party and runs the college she’s in. Rynn betrayed Jace and Kian when they were 18, so they kind of hate her but are very attracted to her. Since they come to the college to take over, the people Rynn works for send Gage to act as a bodyguard for her. So you see, lots of different components.

My favorite character aside from Rynn (because I always love Kay’s heroines) is Kian. He’s a tattooed golden retriever. He feels things deeply and openly. Gage is the grumpy one, and Jace is the one who you don’t know why he does what he does but you can see the indecision in his eyes.

I love this cast of characters and I felt like I was there with them while I was reading. I can’t wait to get the next book because omg that cliffhanger! I need more!

[✨✨ Claire✨✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is kinda hard to rate! It's a very much slow burn Storyline in general. It builds up about the gangs and our Fmc, Rynn needing to get them off the university campus - but it seems to spread out the plots over a massive amount of space, where it could have been done in half.

However, when it finally starts to pick up speed about 70% of the way thru, I didn't want to put it down! It was finally the page turner I had been waiting for!

Rynn is a very strong but also very stubborn woman and is determined to do everything alone. Even tho her boss, Ellie, sends Gage to help her, Rynn sees him, as someone sent to spy on her, or to take some of the glory from her. Which doesn't seem it. Gage is clearly taken with her as the other two Gang Boys, Jace and Kian.

But it's this stubbornness that causes some of the problems later on......

Its not surprising how the gangs seem to decide to take on this unknown entitity that is Rynn. But the question that remains to be answered is how is Rynn going to respond... And respond successfully?

If will be a series ill pick up book two and i pray the slow burn keeps the speed that it kicked up with! It definitely felt better then!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has so many twists and turns that keep you guessing on what will happen next. Just when you think someone is loyal, turns out they’re not as loyal as you thought.

You have 4 main characters that all have some sort of problem with each other. Rynn is such a force. I love her so much. She is currently running her college trying to help her savior Ellie. Everything is going great until you throw some men that she screwed over a couple years ago right in the middle of her campus. This men also happen to be the sons of two different gangs, that hate each other. Then you also have the big bad protector Gage, who will do anything to protect Rynn. They all have something you will find to like about. At this moment Gage is my favorite. Who knows what will happen next though.

Kay once again wrote a book that hooked me in right from the start. I love the way she writes and haven’t read anything by her that hasn’t been amazing.

I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for something to keep you on your toes and wondering what’s going to happen next the whole time.

[Amy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal first book

I could not put this book down. The plot of this book is amazing. When they say page turner—that was this book! Let me start with the storyline. There are so many twists and turns that it leaves you on the edge of your seat. You are constantly trying to guess how the puzzle pieces fit and what will happen next. The characters in this story are so well written. Rynn is such a strong FMC. I love that she’s a badass and controls the situation. She is so smart, calculated and cunning. She also has a depth of brokenness and love there that you want to be her friend. The boys are all written just as well. They are definitely all Alpha males but you know there is so much that happened to them in their past that made them the way they are. The fact that they are secretly loving on Rynn is an example of that. The spice….perfect!! I loved that there was build up with the characters and time for the relationship to grow. The cliffy at the end—I’m not sure what will happen but I’m so excited to find out!

[Brittany waggingwithwords · Rating 5 out of 5]

THAT FLIPPIN CLIFFY!! Yes I’m shouting! AH!⁣
⁣
This friggin book was so good. From page one til the end I didn’t want to put it down. It’s a wild ride of lies and secrets. You’re on the edge of your seat waiting for the next shoe to drop. ⁣
Three hot as sin men. They are all enemies from different g@ngs. One beautiful feisty bad bish trying to get them off her turf and keep them in line while also plotting behind their backs.⁣
Each want a taste of her as much as they hate her. The tension is off the charts. They’re possessive and insane and always trying to get in her way, while she’s trying to get in theirs. ⁣
She runs the university now, but the guys daddies want her gone or want her to turn over everything she’s created to their sons. One Seggsy guy is there to have her back for protection but does nothing but drive her mad. ⁣
I cannot WAIT for the rest of this series.⁣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
🔥🔥🔥⁣
Out today on KU! @kayrileyauthor

[Jess McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new Kay Riley book means one thing, a new favorite. I absolutely LOVED Tainted Deception. Rynn is the epitome of a strong FMC that doesn't need any help from anyone, especially a man. She knows what she wants and doesn't care how she has to go about doing it.

We meet Rynn prior to her reign at Little Haven. She is a great deceiver and she shines best when people don't know what to expect from her. Enter Jace and Kian, the two rivals, who she obtained information from that one summer.

Rynn's life before Ellie was a bit rough and you learn some of it. Ellie will do what she needs to do to protect Rynn, even sending a bodyguard named Gage... that man... 🥵🥵🥵

I am not quite 100% sure how they will all come together as all the guys are pretty much rivals of each other. AND THAT END! I am on the edge of my seat worrying about what is going to come next! Bring on book two!!!

[Carmen Alicea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rynn is fierce, sassy, bold, fearless, and dangerous. She's a boss that knows her worth, and she stands her ground and never lets anyone stop her or stand in her way. She's a woman that's not afraid to fight for herself and stands up to her enemies.

Gage is my favorite guy. I love the way he handles and protects Rynn. He sees her and understands how she thinks, which connects them in a special way. So great to read. I love how he claimed her alpha possessive ways. He will do anything to protect Rynn.

Kian and Jace were best friends and now hate each other, and everything is competitive between even falling for the same girl that drives them both crazy, but no matter how much they can't stand each other for her, they are willing to work together to protect and own her.

This story is action-packed, full of surprises, and so much fun to read. I can't wait for the next story in this series.

[Amanda LeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing start to a series I must say. This book held my attention from beginning to end. It was so good, that I immediately jumped into book 2 because I needed to know what was going to happen.

Two gangs who are rivals, and one girl who screwed them both over.

But what happens 3 year later when both gangs show up too Little Haven for college and the girl who hurt both boys, is now at the college they are both trying to take over?

Say hello to Jace (Diamond Disciples gang), Kian (Grimrose gang), Rynn (Fmc and organization still unknown) and Gage (overprotective bodyguard sent to protect Rynn). What a mix this is lol.

Story plot is amazing. The spice isn't spicing at first, but when it starts....phew it's good. I loved how the spice wasn't right away, and the story was the main focus of the first probably almost half of the book.

I will say...I CAN'T STAND both fathers of the boys who run the gangs for reasons you will find out. Some of the interactions with them made me super uncomfortable and it takes a lot to make me feel that way. I loved it.

I highly recommend this book. Please check tws before reading.

Rating: 5⭐
Spicy: 3.5🌶️

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!
This book had me hooked from the start and until the end!! I didn't want to put it down!!
If your looking for RH, gangs, secrets and a bad*ss FMC...look now further!!
There was action, suspense, angst, steam and so much more!
I loved Rynn. She was smart, confident and strong.
We find out a little about her reasoning for what she is doing but I feel like there is so much more to the story.
I liked each of the guys. Kian, Jace, and Gage. I like that they weren't already together as well.
I still have so many questions and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I'm not gonna lie, that cliffhanger was tough, but it left me so excited for book 2!
What a fantastic start to the series!!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy freaking suspense!!!! Wow!!! I love this story. I have so many questions I am feeling things I'm not sure how to explain. The intrigue is so deep it keeps you trying to figure out all the players and pieces.
This story is all the freaking enemies to lovers! No one likes anyone to begin with. Well maybe Gage is a different story. OK let me say it a different way none of the guys like each other at all, enemies through and through. Their central connection with Rynn is all that is keeping them close at all. The rivalries are born into them and bred through the years. I loved the high emotions this book brought to me but dang I need more! I am so excited for where this story is going.

[betkim13reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book with action, secrets, betrayals, lies, spice, tension, angst, possessive alpha men, and one bad as all heck female- then this is the book for you.

Kay Riley is my go-to author for MC/gang/mafia dark romance. Everything she writes is amazing.

I still don’t know how I feel about each of the men. They are the literal definition of anti-heroes. Just when I thought I liked them, they do something to screw it up.

I really liked Rynn. She takes no crap from anyone. She is strong and resilient.

I know this series is somehow connected to her other three series and I can’t wait to figure out who/how/why we get to see the other characters!

[Tasha Goulet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taunted Deception was so good. This comtempary RH was filled with dangerous men...rival gangs...and one strong revenge driven girl that makes them questioned everything. And all her planning is about to go up in smoke when the two biggest rivaling gang leaders come together and try take over her campus.

Rynn is a great FMC and I can't wait to see what she is going go so next. Will she have to involve Ellie or will she he able to handle Jace and Kian on her own? Plus, I can't wait to find out more about her past. There were glimpses in this first book but I want to know everything.

[Michelle Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. This follows the story of Rynn who has a love/hate relationship with Gage (who is in the same gang as her) and also Jace and Kian who are both members to different enemy gangs but all 3 boys have feelings for Rynn. By the end of the book Kian and Jace although in rival gangs are working together to take over Rynns reign of the college. Can’t wait for book 2 to find out how this all plays out hope they can all find a way to get along together.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

If you're looking for a book with a strong FMC, enemies to lovers (eventually..maybe.. hopefully?), touch her and die, and complete alphaholes who are actually so soft for our girl but won't admit it, then you need to check this book out. As always Kay left us with one heck of a cliffhanger that I will just be dangling from until the next book is released but knowing the wait will be worth it.

[Justine James · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️’s! This book is full of great banter, tension, suspense and spice! Enemies to lovers, why choose, body guard trope with a strong female main character who gives the guys a run for their money.

This book takes place in the same world of gangs as some of Kay’s other series - which I love to see.

Gage is currently my favorite character followed by Kian. I can’t wait to see their relationships develop further and see what happens in book 2!

Kay’s writing never disappoints!