Until two guys from my past outplayed me for everything I worked for. I clawed my way to the top once, and I'll do it again even with Jace and Kian waiting at every turn to knock me back down.
My job is to make sure my boss takes over Little Haven, and with Gage at my back, I have all I need to succeed. He doesn’t just want to help me though. He wants all of me.
The only problem is that he’s not the only one filling my mind.
Jace and Kian might hate each other. They hate Gage. They should despise me after what I did to them. But their actions say otherwise. I can’t let my feelings get in the way of my plan. These boys will destroy me if I let them.
All year, I'd been protecting myself to stay one step ahead.
Now I need to protect my heart too.
**Tainted Desire is book 2 of Little Haven series and ends in a cliffhanger. The first book, Tainted Deception needs to be read first. This is a dark college romance and the female main character will end up with more than one love interest.
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.
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 ✨
Tainted Desire is book two of the Little Haven series. It is told in first person with four POV’s. It is a why choose, dark romance with gang, motorcycle club, and mafia representation.
I had no idea how the author was going to get these three guys, who hated each other and literally wanted to kill each other, to get along. We see their strained relationships grow- but not much. Their obvious hate and distrust for each other lessens over the course of this book, but they still don’t like each other much. The slow and steady change to their relationships is so realistic and so much more believable than if they became fast friends after one encounter. Especially with Jace and Kian. We still do not know what exactly happened between them several years ago that ended their friendship, but there are little things in the book that showed they still remember. When Jace says “that must be nice” when Kian tells Jace that he trusts Tripp, and when Kian interrupts Chris and Jace’s “talk” because he remembers what Chris does behind closed doors. And you see the trust between the three of them when they call each other for help with Rynn. Gage is still possessive, jealous, and untrusting, but he’s learning how to share.
The spice was unreal. Like, you’ll need a moment or two to yourself- or with someone.
There are multiple crossovers in the book with several characters from Suncrest Bay and Sapphire. See if you can figure out who the mysterious character is (I did 😉)
That cliffhanger was intense. My heart is still beating out of my chest thinking about it. So much happens in the last 4-5 chapters . Some I saw coming, some just completely blew my mind.
🃏 🪢 🔪 🌟 ARC BOOK REVIEW 🌟 Tainted Desire by Kay Riley 🎶 Wasteland - Neoni
ARC review releases 7.21.23 Picking up where the cliffhanger left us, Rynn finds herself stuck with Kian and Jace. Which does not bode well for Gage’s jealousy issues, that’s for sure. Rynn’s feelings towards her “captors” make it hard to stay determined to carry out her job. Regardless, after a primal chase, Rynn is able to escape.
This book set the beginning of the cohesiveness of the harem. While all enemies to begin with, and still are, we are starting to see the building blocks in which they will be able to come together. We also do finally get some steamy group activities. I mean, poker night!?! 😥
While Rynn and Gage seem to keep getting further and further from their goal, more lies and secret spill. The end of this book was a damn whirlwind of emotions. We definitely series crossovers from Kay’s other books, but can still be easily read without them (but why would you?) However, I can’t wait to see where those connections go in the next book!
Kay never disappoints and I am still sitting here just wondering where they hell we can go next! I mean, damn! Let’s just say, fucked up twisted families is her thing. With Rynn, Jace and Kian that is no exception. I’m beginning to think the same with be with Gage, but only time will tell. After leaving my jaw on the floor with the cliffhanger we were left at, I can’t begin to understand how this is all going to work.
i’m gonna read the third one just because i’m in too deep to stop now, but i’m disappointed in this series. it’s still entertaining to read, but i’m just kinda over it??
it’s very fast paced, which keeps the momentum going, but it’s also very repetitive.
sex, gang squabble, rynn bitching about how no one is honest with her while she wants the right to lie to everyone, more sex, gage gets jealous, gang squabble, rynn bitching some more, kian and jace tricking rynn, rynn bitching, more sex, rinse and repeat.
there’s also no real romance in this? which again, it’s a dark romance, it’s fine. but we get these nebulous mentions of good summer memories where she “fell for them” but other than sex and lying to their respective gang leaders so she isn’t murdered, there’s no real reason why they’re in love with her or vice versa.
that’s not enough to make me believe that they’re in love. they all spend all their time with her either arguing or fucking, so there’s no buildup of why they’re all willing to risk their lives for her. or why she’s going out on a limb to save them.
we don’t know anything about them except for their various gang affiliations and the fact that they don’t want her to die.
and sure, everyone in this book is tough and brave, but they seem to have no other characteristics? there’s no humor, no warmth, no connection between these characters. if i’m supposed to believe this is a “dark romance,” then i need some actual romance, where the characters seem to like each other at least sometimes.
If you have read Kay Riley before you know she has so many plot twists and turns you are guessing throughout. Book 2 in this series didn’t disappoint. More secretes start to unravel as Rynn tries to keep control of the college while fighting with Jace and Kian. Jace and Kian surprised me a bit in this book. They are definitely trying to make their own decisions although the world they were raised in it’s hard, especially with the trauma they endured as kids. I keep trying to guess what happened that led to their friendship dissolving but can’t yet. I cannot wait for that part of the story to be revealed because I think it will add fuel to the flames for the boys. Gage didn’t disappoint in this book. His devotion to Rynn is not faltering. I wish I could figure out his past as well because that starts to play a huge role here. He will do anything to keep Ryan safe though. I’m still waiting for Rynn to fully embrace her feelings for the guys. She is constantly trying to guard herself against hurt but I’m waiting for that change. I appreciate that we are seeing the relationship develop and grow at their own pace. Even though they are not all “official” that does not stop the spicy scenes. Those did not disappoint!!! The cliffy at the end was steeper than book 1. I am running a list of things that could happen for the rest of the series but I cannot even guess.
Can I just start off by saying if you want an author who can keep you on your toes, Kay Riley is definitely the author for you.
This series is honestly one of my favourites, I am so grateful that I was able to receive an ARC of this book and I can promise you it did not disappoint.
We continue the journey of Rynn, our badass female lead, and what’s so refreshing about her character is that she doesn’t need a man or anyone for that matter to save her, she holds her own, has an elite sense of humour and isn’t just a pretty face. It’s honestly amazing to have a lead who isn’t only smart but completely courageous being written in a way where you would aspire to be as brave as she is.
As time goes on, Rynn continues her journey in taking over the territory of Little Haven whilst having Jace, Kian and Gage hot on her heels.
The character development is flawless, we find out more about these characters individually and how their past has shaped them into who they are today. There is also still an aspect of mystery, especially around Gage who we don’t know too much about.
The plot twists in this are phenomenal, I’ve never had such a reaction to a book to make me shout “OH MY GOD” as I kept turning the pages.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes:
🥀dark romance 🥀why choose 🥀badass fmc 🥀enemies to lovers 🥀spice
Thank you so much Kay for sharing this with us, I honestly can’t express how excited I am to read book three!
Review: A huge thank you to Kay I absolutely love being apart of her ARC team and I’m so honoured I was #gifted an ARC of this book!
Kay is 1000000% an auto buy / read / obsess over author. I’ve read 9? Of her books now and I’m obsessed with every single one. There’s something about the way she writes her dark romance, with the violence, the why choose, the enemies to lovers, touch her and I’ll k¡ll you vibes that just makes me unable to put them down! But also makes me mad because she expects me to wait untill November for the final edition to this trilogy!?!? November?!?!? Honestly dk how I will survive waiting that long. I NEED more of Rynn and her men because🥵
Tainted Desire is a fast paced, dark college romance that features multiple gangs and follows their battle for power and dominance. It’s the second book in the Little Haven series and has just the right amount of spice leaving you begging for more while wishing you where Rynn😉
There is a list of trigger warnings on Kay’s website and at the beginning of the book, look after yourselves my loves🥰
For lovers of: - Dark romance - Reverse Harem / Why Choose - Touch her and I’ll k¡ll you - Gang romance - Forbidden romance - Grumpy x sunshine - Poker games that turn ✨spicy✨
Kay does it again! This was the absolute best continuation to book two. Kay never ceases to amaze me with how she can combine spice, with emotion, with plot and banter in the best of ways. Every book is so different from the last series even if it’s in the same world and this book truly kept you on the edge of your seat while providing the BEST spicy scenes!!
We pick up where we left off in book one’s cliffhanger with two of Rynn’s guys now working together to control Little Haven. Throughout this book secrets are revealed and we finally see all three guys needing to work together to protect Rynn. What I love about this series is how flawlessly all the elements work together but it doesn’t feel overwhelming because it all connects the way it needs to. I think there are more threats in this book than the prior series combined but it works.
The guys each bring something completely different to the table but what remains the same are their feelings for Rynn. I still have a super sweet spot for Gage although Jace is a very very close second. They’re all amazing though and I can’t wait to see how they progress and address everything that came to light. Also the CROSSOVERS in this book were done so well!!! I love seeing past characters especially in the way Kay brings them back. This is a 10/10 read and I can’t wait to see what happens in book three after that cliffy! 😍😍
Kay Riley's novel, Tainted Desire, is a gripping and intense romance that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Throughout the story, the chemistry and dynamics between the characters are electric, adding intrigue to the plot. The dark elements of the romance add an extra layer of intensity to the relationships, leaving readers feeling allured and heartbroken by the unresolved feelings between Rynn, Jace, and Kian.
The carefully constructed world Rynn has created for herself is thrown into chaos when Jace and Kian reappear on campus, seeking revenge for the pain she caused them. The tension is palpable as the story unfolds, with unexpected twists and turns keeping readers guessing at every chapter.
Rynn faces a challenge from three boys who doubt her abilities and strength. She must prove herself and overcome their misconceptions. However, her decisions have caused betrayal, and she carries the burden of her actions with her at every step.
Tainted Desire sets the stage for an enticing series, with more drama and passion promised in the future. Fans of dark romance and thrilling narratives will find themselves captivated by the tangled relationships and captivating plot. Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions as guilt, desire, and revenge collide in this gripping tale of love and deception.
I’m struggling with the lack of autonomy the FMC has in this series. The plot line is interesting and woven well enough to keep readers guessing as to the author’s endgame. The MCs are all interesting but I’m a 💯 set on Gage being the only realistic outcome as a result of the indecisive actions of the others. This a steamy RH with a diabolical undercurrent of indecision and ineptitude on the part of 2 of the RH MCs that is giving me difficulty reconciling why the FMC is interested in either of them other than the physical part. Having said that, I’ll read the 3rd book with zeal only to watch the FMC come into all her power and end the evil murdering forces that have plagued her since her childhood. Read this series if you want an edge of your seat push/pull experience with an FMC lacking autonomy and love to watch her burn it all down at the end. I’m living for her to resolve her poor decisions and begin to utilize all her resources to resolve her situation. This author has an innate ability to create a very difficult situation for readers who love a fierce FMC and thrive on sharp and decisive actions that support the power of a fierce FMC.
Welcome to little haven, where good girls go to 💀.
No for real though, I was BLOWN AWAY with that cliffy.I had so many assumptions for those final chapters but I NEVER would have guessed that was it. 😳 Man oh man 😳 I seriously want to punch Gage. In the throat. what is he doing?? he’s supposed to be the over protective, possessive pit bull of the group…the one who doesn’t do dumb irrational things. 🤦🏻♀️. I looovvveeedd seeing Jaces real golden retriever side shine in this book. His character is 😘😍 My poor Kian, the silent protector😫 (and my favorite of the 3) he got the worst end of this, put in the absolute worst possible position and still did everything he could to protect her AND jace. What he did at the restaurant for him was the perfect glimpse at the old friendship that had. 🥹 It’s so hard to say anything more than this without giving hints as to the direction of the plot. AND TRUST ME THE PLOT THICKENED! Every time I pick up one of Kay Riley’s books I feel like I’m watching an action movie but make it SPICY 🥵 I swear not a single book of hers has let me down.
10/10 I absolutely and forever will recommend. 5 ⭐️
I can not begin to tell you how much I love Rynn. We first met her in Tainted Deception and I love her even more now. Of course you have Gage, Kian and Jace. Still a huge fan of each of them, but I think Gage is still my favorite. This book really showed Rynn struggling with her feelings. She wants so bad to do what she’s supposed to do, but sometimes the heart has other little detours. Gage is still his jealous and overprotective self, but he has realized what the other guys mean to Rynn even if she won’t admit it. Jace and Kian are still trying to do what is asked if by their gangs but also what their heart is telling them to do too. It really showed a lot of growth in their relationships with each other. They all just want what’s best for Rynn.
This book did not disappoint on any level. It’s started right where we left off from the first. It kept me wondering and anticipating every chapter. The last couple chapters were insane and I loved every minute of it. It left us on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the next one. The spice levels were amazing. Crossovers had me squealing. I loved it so much and I can’t wait for the next.
This book kept me on my toes! Just when you think you have it figured out, Kay Riley throws you for another loop, and makes you question everything that you thought you know. Gage is keeping secrets, Jace knows more than he thinks he does, and Kian seems like the only one who is telling the truth… right? The three boys still don’t trust each other even though they have one common interest they want to keep safe… Rynn. Rynn is running out of game plans and is now on plan F… maybe G. Who knows? Because every time she thinks that she is ahead of the game, her enemies step out in front of her and ruin the plan she thought was solid. However, she is an adaptable bada$$, and keeps rolling with the punches. Literally. But when Rynn is cornered with no where to run what other choice does she have but to reveal who she truest is with? How will the gangs react to this knowledge and knowing the secrets of their past? Worst comes to worst in this book and all the main characters seem to have their backs against the wall. This book is a why choose with a cliffhanger available on Kindle Unlimited, July 21. With all that being said… Gage is still my favorite! ♥️♥️♥️
24 hours. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours!!! Wow!!! Just wow!!!
This one had me feeling all different kinds of emotions. There were even times I was super anxious waiting to see what was going to happen.
The spicy scenes….how frig!!!! Poker night had a whole new meaning lol.
Rynn is still the tough bad a$$ FMC that I love so much. I love how all the guys have their own kind of obsession with her and want her, but also try to take her down (besides Gage…he just wants to keep her all to himself lol). This book they definitely come together a lot more and you finally start seeing where Kian and Jaces alliances lie with.
Kian’s dad and Jaces dad (Hayes and Chris) are starting to catch on though and have a special interest in Miss Rynn. They are desperate to find out who she is and whose group she’s part of.
Gages past also comes back to bite in him the a$$ which causes even more issues for everyone.
The and had me completely shocked and was such a huge twist. Also had me crying 😭😭. What an amazing book 2!!!!
Loved Tainted Deception and this second book is even better, so many plot twists in this gang filled tale. The three guys, all in different gangs become reluctant frenemies, their attraction to Rynn and her safety being the only thing that enables them to work together. Such a lucky girl having three hot guys that will do anything for her, even share!. This book is spicier that the first one with some scorching hot group scenes.🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ We discover more background on Rynn and the guys, Gage’s history definitely throws a spanner into the works, looking forward to seeing how that thread plays out. Jace and Kian’s gang leader fathers are both evil but Chris from the Grimrose Disciples definitely takes the biscuit, poor Jace! There seem to be several gangs and a MC playing into the story now, setting us up for a fantastic-lot in the next book, The shocking events at the end surprised me, definitely wasn’t expecting that. Such a great plot, full of action, intrigue and mystery, want to read the next book asap.
I’m giving this book 4.75 stars!!! I loved how the first book ended and now this one started. Watching Kian and Jace work together to try and keep Rynn in their clutches was amazing but typically Rynn got away and caused problems for them which the gangs. Watching Gage protect her and being more spicy with her was amazing. The twists and turns in this book kept me on the edge of my seat and seeing all three of the boys work together to give her happiness and pleasure was amazing to see. I still hate Kian’s Dad and Jace’s stepdad, but that twist at the end where all the secrets come out was amazing!!!! I loved seeing all of there relationships getting stronger and how eventually they learned they might have to work together to keep Rynn safe. Also, Gage’s past coming back to get him, adding more stress to the story added to the story so much!!!
I am totally obsessed with this series! Rynn is a lucky lady to have these 3 guys obsessed her, and willing to do anything for her. Rynn is top priority, so when she’s in danger the guys will do anything. Crossing family and each others gangs in the process. The spice keeps getting better and better! The poker table scene is enough to ruin many panties. 🤤🤤🤤🤤 Gage reaction to anything Jace and Kian does is my favourite. It’s so funny and has you smiling most of the time. Now the ending 😩😩😩😩 I kinda put the pieces together towards the end and I didn’t want to believe it. Now I NEED the third book! 🤯
I thought nothing could top book 1 until I read this. WOW! The spice, plot, and banter between all the characters was so well written! That cliffhanger was brutal and waiting for book 3 is going to be so painful.
Rynn is such a badass FMC. She really doesn’t let anyone boss her around. We got to learn a bit more about her backstory and her gang. We also learned a bit more about Gage and his background!! The relationships between all the guys grew in their own ways. They are all learning to trust each other little by little. Each guy brings something different to the table for her although I think Gage might be my favorite with his possessive she’s mine vibes!! 🌶🌶🌶.5/5
Fantastic!! series keeps getting better and better! Once I started reading , I didn't want to stop! Things move pretty quickly in this book, so it keeps you on the edge of your seat at times. There was suspense, action, betrayal and so many secrets. The spice really picks up in this book as well!! The poker game scene was so hot!! The guys start working together for the sake of Rynn, despite their distrust towards one another. Relationships grow a little and true feelings finally start to surface. Be prepared though, the last few chapters are a whirlwind. There are some major revelations and twists!! I loved it!!
Let’s just say these was everything and more!!!!!! The 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and I would just give all the stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ if I could!!!
I was just 🤯 with that cliffy and I need more like yesterday.
The way Gage is possessive and doesn’t want to share Rynn, to jace poking him to get under his skin is too much. Kain seems like the golden retriever type but I have a feeling he is anything but. Rynn tries hard to ignore her feeling for them but is slowing letting her walls crumble for them. I am in love with this series and can not wait for the next book.
After reading 𝘛𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 I knew I had to have the second book as soon as possible! Thank you Kay for allowing me to have an ARC!
I loved this one just as much as I loved the first. Not only was it filled with sexy AF banter, but the plot twists were epic! I literally cannot believe you left us hanging with that ending!!! I need book 3 immediately and hopefully a Reese spinoff series 😉
Seriously if you guys want a good RH with a strong as f*ck FMC combined with 3 sexy as hell MMC’s who are all fighting for her? Add these to your TBR!
Tainted Desire is the second book in the Little Haven series. This contemporary RH book picks right up where Tainted Deception left off. I honestly couldn't see things getting more complicated for Rynn, but I was so wrong. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just say that secrets are revealed, someone's past catches up to them, and a surprise marriage happens. This makes things extremely difficult and dangerous for Rynn. Her hold on Little Haven is shaky, but I'm sure she has an ace up her sleeve... right next to her knife. She's a warrior and war is coming. I need the next book!
Un libro y medio para que la historia no se desarrollara en nada??? Estuvieron dándose vueltas y recalcando lo mismo desde el primer libro. Me aburrió y tuve que dejarlo a medias, no podía seguir cuando no me estaban dando desarrollo ni en los personajes ni en sus relaciones, también me di cuenta que era mucha acción y poca información básica, no te puedes imaginar bien la ambientación porque no la narra. El primer libro me atrapó completamente, pq era el PRIMERO, pero a estas alturas del segundo esperaba que hubiera mínimo una evolución de la protagonista
This series is my favorite by Kay!! I absolutely have loved everything that she's written and but Little Haven has been amazing. I loved the little cameos of other characters from other series too.
Rynn 100% isn't a damsel in distress. This one reveals more information about who backs Rynn and has lots of twists at the end. I may have guessed the big one, but not the one that came with it.
I can't wait until the next book! I will be on the edge of my seat waiting!!
This is the second book in the Little Haven series and is a fantastic addition to the first.
It picks up where we left off after book one and is so fast paced. I love seeing how Kay manages the interactions between the 3 boys who hate each other, but manage to put their differences aside to protect Rynn. The spice is 🔥🔥
It was exciting to see the crossovers with characters from Kay’s other series. I can’t wait for the next book after that cliffhanger!
This story line is great. Unexpected turns that you don’t anticipate and the cliff hanger in Book 2- just wow. This is for those who like mafia and gang romance for the younger early 20’s reader. Or the young at heart such as myself. This is definitely a page turner and can’t put this down. I’m probably going to listen to this book on Audio after I’m through with this series.
I loved diving back into Rynn, Gage, Kian and Jace's story.
This is an action packed, steam filled adventure that will have you hooked from the start. With even more secrets bubbling and reveals that will leave you gaping like a fish out of water or dropping your phone in shock.
The plot twist!!! The cliffhanger!!! All the 🌶 scenes 🥵
Absolutely love Kay's work & this didn't disappoint. Watching the character arcs was beautiful. The book started off how you would expect after the first one. Had great little twists with good pacing for the story up till the end where you're hit with a whammy!