The Sense of Depravity

The Senses Series #7

by Kathleen Haley

Nothing about our interactions is comfortable, yet he comforts me as no one can.

Years ago I gave up on love. Shackled with past traumas and driven to succeed professionally, I keep a tight rein on my desires and ignore my needs. But when I collide with a magnetic Scotsman at a sex club, my carefully balanced world begins to totter. He seeks legal representation, and my boss insists I oblige. He wants me, and my body urges me to comply.

Yet he’s off limits in every way. For one, I’m his lawyer, and he’s my client. For another, we’re searching for the woman he loved—possibly still loves. What’s more, he’s a heartthrob, completely out of my league. And most disturbingly, he makes me crave things I’ve never dared to imagine, subduing me with one word, one flick of a brow.

The more he wears down my defenses, the more I suspect the real hurdles keeping me from love are my own fears. Can I conquer them before they undo me?

She’s in my bloodstream; I breathe her in like oxygen.

Brushing past a hawthorn bud on the branch, I pluck her and make her mine. Sweet, fierce, and passionate, she opens up into a flower under my ministrations. Yet at every turn she needs me to seize control and confiscate her will. She doubts herself, doubts love, and doubts men. I plan on shattering her walls and teaching her to listen to her body.

But my past dogs me, refusing to let me enjoy my sweet bud in peace. Once forced to serve traffickers, I now vow to bring down the remnants of their organization. I’m bound to search for a woman I promised to protect who’s suspected of murder and other crimes. Some say I’m trying to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.

As one woman draws me toward my future and the other pulls me toward my past, I have to confront the wrongs I’ve committed head-on. Can I beat the odds and claim my forbidden love?

This is dark romantic suspense. Please see my website for a full content warning.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark

Unknown Binding

Published May 15, 2025

About the author

Formerly an academic, I took up writing romance recently and quite by accident. In early 2022 the right elements conjoined—my love of villains, my taste for high comedy, and my pull towards strong women. Now I can’t stop cooking up plots and drawing new characters. Though I write mostly dark romance, I invariably weave plenty of reality into the fantasy. My preference for lone wolves, quirky characters, and intense plot results in what my reader and author friends call romance with teeth. I live in Berkeley, California with my dachshund-Chihuahua, Pooh-bah. When I’m not writing, I love traveling, cooking, playing piano, and cycling in the nearby hills.

Follow on Insta @kathleenlotthaley

Website: https://kathleenhaley1.wixsite.com/my...

Reviews

[Jo Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has it all, and them some.

Forbidden love
Virgin FMC
Primal Play
He Falls First, Falls Hard
Breeding Kink.
Secrets

Irene is the FMC we know Kathleen Haley loves to write. She is a boss. She is strong and has real gumption (I love that word) Irene is troubled by past relationships, and she has lost faith in that side of her life, so her focus has been on her career. That same focus to look after her clients, is what led her into the path of Ness.
As a guest at a sex club, Irene comes to the aid of Ness during a scene he is doing.

Ness is a mystery in himself, a builder, proud Scotsman and a man who will protect those he loves at all costs.
He is hooked by Irene and finds his way into her life as her client. He wants her and doesn't hide that. He makes his intentions clear that she will be his, and that is inevitable.

The story is epic, the twists and turns we go through keep the pages flying by.
I have loved every book of this series and this one hits just as good as the all rest.

[TrishSparklerReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

@TrishSparklerReads Bookstagram:

“The Sense of Depravity” by Kathleen Haley
Series: The Senses Series Book 7
(Can be enjoyed as a standalone)
Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense
POV: Dual
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 5🌶️
Darkness: 5🩶

Highlights:
🖤Curvy Virgin FMC
🖤Alpha Billionaire Dom MMC
🖤BD$M
🖤He Falls First
🖤St@lking
🖤Forbidden Love
🖤Body Positivity

Thoughts:
This was a great story filled with suspense, passion and charismatic main characters.

Ness is a stunningly powerful and magnetic Billionaire, who decides that Irene will be his. You will love this Dommie book boyfriend and all his overbearing ways. Irene is a smart lawyer with little experience with men and a poor body image. She’s such a fun and sweet heroine and I loved her pet parrot Vulch.

Overall, I found the writing eloquent and quite witty, and I loved that this spicy romance was also filled with mystery and intrigue. I would definitely read others in this series as I loved seeing all the cameos throughout the book.

🛑Please read all the author warnings as themes and events depicted in this book could be triggering. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cassi B · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tonight was bro bonding for psychos.”

🖤🥀🖤🥀🖤🥀

🥀Forbidden Love
🖤Primal Play
🥀Virgin FMC
🖤Body Positivity
🥀He Falls First and Harder
🖤Found Family
🥀Breeding
🖤Sta!king
🌶️🌶️🌶️

🖤🥀🖤🥀🖤🥀

As usual, I absolutely love what Kathleen has brought us! I saw some things coming but not all, and that's good I like it.

Ness and Irene are absolute perfection together. As a virgin, she's definitely new to BDSM but fortunately isn't scared to explore. From him getting her out of her own head, as a true Dom should, to her willing to go the distance to help Tamsin...this had so much.

My absolute favorite parts were a) all of the Doms enjoying a night out at the same time as all of their ladies, b) the ladies willingly getting themselves in trouble for their punishments, and c) the addition POVs during the rescue talks and scenes. Oh, and all things involving Vulch. Of course, I won't spoil any of that for any who haven't read yet.

Hunter, in the upcoming Perception of Vice, is my favorite MMC of this series, but this is definitely my favorite story of it!!

[Lianne Scheepers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I think I found a favorite book by Kathleen Haley, she manages to surprise me and write a story I like even more then the last. Needless to say, this is my new favorite.

Most of Kathleen’s men are very guarded about their feelings, and it usually takes a while before they finally admit to themselves that even they can fall in love. Ness is quite the opposite of that, falling in love immediately and being honest and open about that from the start. I just loved how he went after Irene, and even though he is a very possessive dom, there is a softer side to him as well. Irene is a lovely, curvy woman who struggles with trauma and insecurity. And I just loved how her character evolved into a strong woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself and those around her.

The story was filled with danger, betrayals, spice, and amazing plot twists. I found it incredibly difficult to put the book down. I also loved how we get more of the previous characters from this series of interconnected standalones. I really enjoyed the “girls night out” scene, I could just feel their friendship bleeding through the pages. Absolutely loved it!

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super hot super sexy dark romance. Irene is a woman who's given up on relationships and ignores her own needs and desires. But when she meets a hot Scot named Ness at a smex club, all bets are off. She is surprised to see him the next time, at her office, she is an attorney and he needs her help. He is in search of his ex, who is accused of many crimes but he feels a duty to protect her. At the same time is so drawn to the woman in front of him, Irene, that his mind is warring with itself. They both are determined to work together to bring down the ring of tr@ffickers that he was once forced to be involved with. This may be my favorite book yet from this author. I like the elements of suspense and the plot is deep and involved. Ness is just so smexy and swoon worthy and the spicy scenes are top notch. No doubt you'll be page turning till the very end.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series so much! The Sense of Depravity is Ness and Irene's story. She's a hardworking and loyal lawyer and he's a bit of a playboy woodworker that wants to rid the UK and beyond of its housing crisis by building affordable housing.
They meet at an adult club but she gets a surprise when her friend Dex asks her to represent him and help find his ex, Tamsin, and to solve a unaliving.
Ness claims her as his right away as she tries to keep it professional and ignore their pull. They grow closer and try to solve the mystery.
As with the rest of this series, the banter, chemistry and spice is top tier. The plot is so well written and the suspense is so good.

[Alisha Pascual · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves more than 5 stars ✨ ⭐️ tbh. Same as her other books, perfection!! At first glance Ness knew Irene was it for him. He was relentless in getting her to be his, it took a lot of work but got the woman in the end till the end of time. They both love so fiercely for each other and went through though hurdles together & with their friends. I loved all the guys and women together, it was hilarious. 💕

[Jo Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, no surprise there as I haven’t read anything by Kathleen that I haven’t loved.

The characters as usual are full and rounded. The sex is hot with full on BDSM themes.

Some characters from previous books in the series make an appearance so your favourites aren’t forgotten or missing.

[Jennifer Hash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I love Kathleen Haley's books. Secondly, if you have read her Senses series at all, you are still not prepared for where this book goes!!!

The depth she gave to this story is deeper than any of her others, which is saying a lot. Kathleen really has been pouring her heart & soul into this series. And it shows in droves.

Irene, by chance, meets Ness at a club. Of the adult variety. She comes to his aid, and then later that night, he comes to hers. He is smitten at first glance by his 'hawthorn bud' and falls immediately. His only thought is how to wrangle her for himself so he can woo and love her.

But Ness's past is immediately requiring some resolution. And Irene discovers he is her new client, and she is requiring he keep things professional. While Ness and Irene start tracking people down, some previous friends from this book series show up to be enlisted for help, offer to help, and flat out start resolving things for our couple.

In the midst of all of this, Ness and Irene start helping heal one another's previous pains and traumas. Irene needs some convincing of Ness's affections, which becomes very fun and spicy.

The entire Sense series cast from all the books become involved in resolving the darkness from Ness's past. (She got the gang all together!!)

Check your TWs, as always. Some different themes in this one.

Excellent read. 5 ⭐️, 5🌶 and so much fun to read!!!!

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

🚨ATTENTION!🚨I’ve said this before but have to correct myself: I have a new favorite book by Kathleen Haley and HERE👏🏽 IT👏🏽 IS👏🏽! Kathleen has not loosened her grip on the hand necklace she has me in with The Senses Series – I am utterly captivated by these delicious, dark men she brings to life. To say that I am sad that I finished this book is an understatement because NESS had me in a complete puddle on the floor and wanting to follow him around like a lost puppy…he’s that good!

**Don’t forget to check those TWs!**

🖤MF Dark Romance
🖤Forbidden Love – Lawyer & Client
🖤Multi-Millionaire MMC
🖤Lawyer FMC
🖤He Falls First & HARDER
🖤V!rg!n FMC
🖤Body Positivity
🖤MMC Follows FMC in His Spare Time
🖤Power Exchange
🖤Pr!mal Play
🖤BD$M Elements
🖤Br33d!ng (Including BC Tampering)

Irene gave up on love years ago because of past trauma and an inability to trust herself. Now, she's focused on her career, keeps a tight rein on her desires and ignores her needs–emotionally and sexually. But, when Irene collides with a magnetic Scotsman at an elite sex club? Her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble…

Thinking she’d never see the Scotsman again, Irene is thrown for a loop when he waltzes into her office seeking legal representation, and her boss insists that she take his case. Little does Irene know that ever since that night at the club, Ness has been seeking out Irene – his sweet little hawthorn bud on a branch, ready to be plucked and to be made his. Ness is clear that he wants Irene, rules be damned, and her body urges her to comply and submit to the cravings Ness elicits.

Besides the glaring elephant in the room of not fraternizing with a client, Ness is on the hunt for his ex…a woman he swore to protect while previously forced to serve traffickers. While duty-bound to find the woman he once loved, Ness is also determined to take down the very organization he used to serve. As one woman draws him toward his future, another is determined to pull him toward his past. Will he be able to beat the odds and fully claim his forbidden love? Or will time run out before he can show Irene that her doubts in love, men, and herself are holding her back, and that listening to both her heart and body will take them to new heights?

Dark romance lovers? Where are you?! Ness is your next book boyfriend. Ness is a man who is determined to find out who hurt you, and will make sure justice is served. Ness is a man who will validate the hell out of you to show you how he sees you and that he ONLY SEES YOU. Ness is a man who knows what he wants and will do everything in his power to get it. Some might say following his love and tampering with her BC are red flags, but in fiction? Nope. Green flags that made me fall in love with Ness even more 😂 What can I say? I love a determined and committed man. The way in which Ness made sure that Irene knew he claimed her in every sense of the word? SWOON. Irene had deep-seated trauma and insecurities and the way that she and Ness worked through them? Whew! 🥵 Where can I get some therapy like that? *IYKYK* And when sh*t hit the fan? The entire gang showed up and was ready to go to war. This found family is everything and it’s bittersweet that these interconnected standalones are coming to an end soon. Do yourself a favor and start this series and enjoy the ride!

[reader. kore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers, you are so lucky if you are started with The Sense of Depravity as your first book in the Senses series. If I hadn't started with book 2 (Geraint's) or caught up to the rest, this would be a good start. You get a 360 views of the characters to come and the characters, the couples who have come before. Beautifully woven characters who are tear jerking sweet and will have you belly rolling laughter. Your ass might clench in sympathy from the sexy punishments the men dole out. But fear not, you wont have to read a previous book before TSOD, in my opinion, Kathleen has all bases covered for any reader, old, new can jump in.

Now Ness. Oh Ness, where can I start. Swoony, devilish in suits, he works with his hands (don't mind my drool *slurps*) and has a penchant for dragging Irene, our heroine into nearest alleyways. Now don't be fooled by this man's hands, he has the body and the brains to match.

Irene is a brilliant lawyer, intelligent, beautiful and comes with a list of her issues that keeps her going one step forward with Ness and two steps back. A virgin, Irene skirts around intimacy until Ness takes her one day. And boy, does he takes her (hint: primal play).

It follows the rest of their relationship, he is a natural dom, she is his submissive, sometimes faltering from her own self doubts and past experiences. He slays her demons, past and present, physical and mental. The entire book is a big trust the process moment so I would request your patience too for the rewarding happy ending, when the enemies have been laid to bed, babes kissed and the couple has their happy ending.

For the lovers of ~
💚BDSM
💚Found Family
💚Virgin FMC
💚Forbidden Love
💚Primal play
💚He falls first and harder
💚breeding, birth control tampering
💚stalking
💚Anal

[Shanna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Haley's books are something else. The Sense Series is like nothing else and when I say you will fall in love with all the characters I truly mean it.

When a chance encounter at a BDSM club, Irene could not have predicted that the man she stood up for would eventually be her next client. As a lawyer trying to prove herself, Irene knows she needs to keep her relationships with her clients professional. Yeah, like that is going to happen with a guy like Julian "Ness" Harness is that client.

Ness seems to know what he wants and specifically who he wants. Not realizing the women he helped out of a bad situation at 'his' BDSM club would be the person to help him with the past that he just can't escape from. In the process Ness and Irene start to get closer and heal wounds both never thought could be healed. Well, it might take a group of friends to push both of them along and make them realize they are what each other needs.

If you haven't read the previous 6 books, you might not truly understand all the characters involved and I would recommend going back and doing so. Some of my favorite people from the previous books make an appearance and boy did I jump for joy when they entered the pages.

By far Kathleen has my heart with this series and I can't wait to see what is next because I am not ready for this series to end.

[booklover.mall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen… Kathleen… excuse me ma’am what have you done ! This has to be my favorite book in the series. Ness is one smoking hot DADDY! YESSS...PLEASE I will TAKE ONE!

but honestly TSOD had many of my emotions happening all at once from happy giggling, to anger and wanting to punch some people nut also tearing up and having my own insecurities hitting me, and it hit deep in me that had me sucking the breath out of me. One quote from the book hit me is “Fear Lie. Conquer Them.” that hit deep with me Kathleen you got me!

Ness is strong, brilliant, caring, loving and so attentive, Handsome and who wouldn’t want a guy like that stalking you from the moment he lied eyes on you, Irene sure did see that coming
Irene is sweet, caring and dedicated to her work as a lawyer, but she allows her past to blind her and her insecurities get in the way until sweet daddy Ness comes.

I absolutely adore this couple Irene and Ness phew yes. Ness helps Irene brings out something in her that she didn’t know she had and she brings out what he didn’t know he need. I don’t to give much more way but all I know is that you need you grab a copy and READ!!! The Sense Of Depravity is a book you should NOT sleep on.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

THOUGHTS: This is a hot, sexy story that starts with two pages of trigger warnings. Please pay attention to them because everything that’s there is in this story. Okay, now that that’s out of the way, this is a well-written deep story. Irene is a lawyer who accompanies a client one night to a sex club. What she sees there shocks her, but also draws her much to her surprise. When one of the participants accuses a DOM of inappropriate behavior, Irene steps in and shoots the accusation down. Ness is both relieved and intrigued by this curvy woman who came to his defense, and he is determined to get to know her better—in several different ways. He has a dark past that requires the help of a lawyer so he approaches the firm she works for and uses his influence to have her assigned to his case. What follows is an intense story of BDSM, human trafficking, drugs, money laundering, and more. During the story, Ness also teaches Irene what it’s like to be a sub to his DOM. Be prepared to fan yourself with the heat in here.

This wasn’t an easy book to read in some places – I’m not a fan of violence— but the writing is very well done. If you like your stories darkly romantic with lots of spice, some violence, and a HEA ending that satisfies, you’ll like this one.

[Amy H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ARC read, I got the book in exchange for an honest review.

Overall the book was good, I love the tension and most of the storyline. It is well-written and the characters are real, and flawed which I always love. Two things however took away from the joy of this book for me. Leading me to give it 3 stars.

*Instalove, I was aware that in this book there would not be a slowburn. But I somehow expected it to be more instalust growing into instalove. Not Ness wanting Irene to be his girlfriend so soon. Especially when he is neck deep in shit she is supposed to help him with. Irene in my opinion is a little too compliant with it when she risks a lot. I mean it's Ness, and he is hot and oddly swoony so maybe you can't blame a girl. It's just now what I like reading.

Irene's body image issues, I know this is a real thing a lot of people deal with. But when it becomes too much of an issue. Combined with the LI raving about curves, like that's one of the main points of attraction. Is always a little off putting for me. I prefer curvy characters to just be... without too much attention to being curvy.

That being said if you don't mind body image issues, and enjoy an instalove with a sexy swoony Dom. I would still recommend this book. Even if it's not for me.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chance meeting, a client and insatiable needs

Irene is a lawyer working to become partner at the law firm. When she brings her current client to an adult club she finds herself drawn to a man who goes by the builder. She refuses to get involved but continues wondering and checking out the club. However, when someone tries to force her she finds the builder as her rescuer. She thanks him and runs. She assumes she will never see him again. 

Ness is doing a scene at the club when the willing participate freaks out and tries to make him appear as a predator but a woman comes to his rescue. He wants to know the woman but she escapes quickly. 

However, these two are destined for so much more than this one night. With Irene's newest client being none other than Ness these two will have to work closely to solve the newest issues. 

I absolutely love seeing the characters from the previous books showing up and becoming friends (if not already). They have this fantastic support group and are always willing to help each other out. 

I also love that there are parts of the stories that are a continuation of what seems to be a much larger picture. 

[Louise ᥫ᭡܀⊹✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me by surprise. I expected a typical dark romance, but it delivered so much more. The story follows a woman, burdened by past traumas and focused on her career, who encounters a compelling Scotsman at a sex club. Their connection is immediate, but complications arise—he becomes her client, and he's searching for a woman from his past.

The narrative delves deep into themes of trust, desire, and confronting one's fears. The characters are well-developed, each battling their own demons. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their journey is both steamy and emotionally charged.

What stood out to me was the balance between the sensual elements and the underlying emotional depth. It's not just about passion; it's about healing and finding strength in vulnerability.

If you're into dark romantic suspense with layered characters and a storyline that keeps you engaged, this one's worth a read.

[Gabriella Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

My goodness! This book really had EVERYTHING and then some.

Irene is a lawyer put on a case by Julian Harness (Ness). She is shocked because she recently witnessed him practicing BDSM with a sub at a club over the weekend. She sets out to find and represent his ex in a murder case, her feelings for Ness grow and soon she is his #1.

We get a bit of romance, a lot of spice, fierce friendships and mystery! At first, I was a little put off by the amount of things to follow, but as the book went on so did my desire to find Tamsin! (She is a real piece of work, 10/10 do not recommend getting involved with a girl like her 🤣)

Kathleen Haley has gained a new reader in me!

[Jannelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly anticipating the release of this book! Joining the series late gave me the advantage of binge-reading several installments back-to-back. Typically, I find myself frustrated with FMCs in dark romance due to poor communication stemming from immature habits. However, this book stands out—the FMC and MMC engage in a refreshing, mature style of communication, which I truly appreciate. The FMC embodies the classic traits of dark romance: strong-willed, intelligent, and stunning, yet she's also relatable with her insecurities, much like in real life. Personally, I connect with her struggles and believe others will too. Kathleen Haley has delivered yet another captivating read!

[Jackie Kilby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy Moly! Steamy, dark, thriller, plot driven, complex characters dealing with trauma. "The Sense of Depravity" follows this series incredibly well, continues with the stories we've already read in a fun and just-one-more-chapter kind of way.

I could not put this book down. If you're looking for a dark and spicy romance, with sides of thriller, intrigue, crime, mafia, look no further. This series has it all, and you should definitely go down this rabbit hole.

Please note that while this is book seven in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

[Annie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sensational addition to The Senses Series. Irene is tasked to seek justice for a murdered drug dealer, and a task to find a missing ex. When she teams up with the last known boyfriend who goes by the builder to find Tamsin the ex. She finds herself caught up in a world she never knew or wanted to. So dive into a world of suspense, twists, and surprising turns not to mention some very exciting and steamy scenes to leave you craving more.

[Taylor Kline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sense series are Dark romance stories with BDSM vibes! The passion and understanding in these books are phenomenal. Is this book Irene is navigating being a lawyer, harassment from her colleague , past traumas and her attraction to her client. Ness is a Dom who is very protective of those he cares about and truly loyal. With the past both creeping on them Ness and Irene must trust each other and fight to overcome things together! Definitely worth giving a read the ending was amazing!

[K.B. McNair · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I say I need a man like the MMC in this book 🥵

I adored this read. The depth of the characters was amazing. The storyline was intriguing and complex. The spice was spicy and delicious. Oof

[Chantelle Olivier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing

[Noeli McClelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fight between what she wants and what she is to do is a big hurdle . But she grows during it. You need to read . As always her writing draws you into the story