What do you think?
Rate this book
Tainted
Growing up in witness protection with her parents, Zara learned early on to keep her guard up and trust no one. When Zara plans to reconnect with the only family she has left, she’s drawn to the vibrant nightlife at Utopia, a renowned strip club known as a dancer's dream.
At Utopia, Zara crosses paths with Kenyon Keyes. He is known for having a good time, but inside, he's hardened by his experiences and challenges. Kenyon believes his world is too complicated for anyone to understand, but after meeting Zara, he questions everything he thought he knew.
At Utopia, Zara crosses paths with Kenyon Keyes. He is known for having a good time, but inside, he's hardened by his experiences and challenges. Kenyon believes his world is too complicated for anyone to understand, but after meeting Zara, he questions everything he thought he knew.
396 pages, Paperback
Published April 11, 2025
231 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Read
November 5, 2024DNF
November 15, 2024
Kaylyn never disappoints me. She rarely misses in her novels. I will always love whatever she puts out! Just read the damn book.
November 25, 2024
The ending
I liked the idea for the story, and the execution was good. The story was recommended by a reader friend, so, she better be glad I liked this one. The title will be clearer to readers as the story progresses. It's about a dancer, street pharmacists, some exploitation, family, love, and a romantic tale for the ages.
I liked the idea for the story, and the execution was good. The story was recommended by a reader friend, so, she better be glad I liked this one. The title will be clearer to readers as the story progresses. It's about a dancer, street pharmacists, some exploitation, family, love, and a romantic tale for the ages.
November 6, 2024
Very sweet
Kaylyn, as usual, has produced another hit! Nova and Keyes were so cute! They organically connected, and it was very sweet getting to see their bond form. They did have a bit of a communication issue, which I sort of understood, but it was still frustrating watching Nova get angry about Keyes withholding information when she was doing the same, but they got past it, and the twist at the end connecting them I didn't see coming.
Kaylyn, as usual, has produced another hit! Nova and Keyes were so cute! They organically connected, and it was very sweet getting to see their bond form. They did have a bit of a communication issue, which I sort of understood, but it was still frustrating watching Nova get angry about Keyes withholding information when she was doing the same, but they got past it, and the twist at the end connecting them I didn't see coming.
November 12, 2024
meh
The story fell flat. The characters were flat. The drama was flat. It just never took off. The premise worked, but was circular and not very convincing. I love Kaylyn’s work, hopefully the next book returns to the level expected.
The story fell flat. The characters were flat. The drama was flat. It just never took off. The premise worked, but was circular and not very convincing. I love Kaylyn’s work, hopefully the next book returns to the level expected.
January 24, 2025
good characters the progression took too long
This book wasn’t really for me. Although I like Zara, why would she leave witness protection to be a stripper? Zara doesn’t even know Keyes like that and went off about how he’s controlling, smothering and scared he’ll fall apart. Girl what are you talking about? I also felt like it took too long to get to the progression of the love story. They were doing a lot of dancing around and involving other people until 50% of the story. Then the whole situation with Syd was taken too far. They should’ve all stopped since she was so uncomfortable. There was honestly no real resolution with Sydney and I didn’t like that. The book stepped up in the second half though. Loved the banter.
I didn’t really like the way this was written. It was very repetitive and didn’t really flow for me, especially in the beginning. There were also some noticeable grammatical errors. I also didn’t think the translations needed to be at the end of the chapter if it was explained in the story.
This book wasn’t really for me. Although I like Zara, why would she leave witness protection to be a stripper? Zara doesn’t even know Keyes like that and went off about how he’s controlling, smothering and scared he’ll fall apart. Girl what are you talking about? I also felt like it took too long to get to the progression of the love story. They were doing a lot of dancing around and involving other people until 50% of the story. Then the whole situation with Syd was taken too far. They should’ve all stopped since she was so uncomfortable. There was honestly no real resolution with Sydney and I didn’t like that. The book stepped up in the second half though. Loved the banter.
I didn’t really like the way this was written. It was very repetitive and didn’t really flow for me, especially in the beginning. There were also some noticeable grammatical errors. I also didn’t think the translations needed to be at the end of the chapter if it was explained in the story.
November 14, 2024
I enjoyed this one! My favorite thing about a Kaylyn book is the connection you know the MCs are going to have. I appreciate the way she takes the time to build that connection because it's worth it in the end. It's 400+ pages, so don't expect instalove - get comfy and enjoy the journey she's taking us on because it's a good one. (Also, can we please stop leaving ratings for books we DNF? You can leave a review on GR without a rating. It's so unfair to the author for you to rate a product you only had a sample of. *Jumps off soap box*)
June 2, 2025
I'm really getting into Kaylyn's writing, I think it's improved quite a bit.
As for the story, I liked the characters even the ones I simply did not care for, yes you Misa or Otto.
As for the story, I liked the characters even the ones I simply did not care for, yes you Misa or Otto.
November 11, 2024
Zara and Keyes
In "Tainted," Kaylyn masterfully navigates the intricate tapestry of relationships, showcasing the tumultuous journey of Keyes and Zara. Their love story unfolds through a series of trials, each one testing the depths of their commitment and resilience. Zara's reunion with her mother serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating her path and providing the emotional anchor she so desperately needed.
Keyes emerges not just as a partner, but as a steadfast ally, proving that amidst the chaos—especially with Syd's erratic behavior—true love can flourish. Their bond is a testament to the power of support and understanding in the face of adversity.
Moreover, Kross’s journey resonates deeply, as he grapples with the weight of his losses. It's a poignant reminder that healing takes time, and the search for happiness is often a winding road. I share your hope that he finds solace and joy once again, as every character in this story deserves their moment of peace and fulfillment.
Kaylyn's storytelling captures the essence of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of those seeking redemption. It's a beautiful exploration of how connections can heal and uplift, even in the darkest of times.
In "Tainted," Kaylyn masterfully navigates the intricate tapestry of relationships, showcasing the tumultuous journey of Keyes and Zara. Their love story unfolds through a series of trials, each one testing the depths of their commitment and resilience. Zara's reunion with her mother serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating her path and providing the emotional anchor she so desperately needed.
Keyes emerges not just as a partner, but as a steadfast ally, proving that amidst the chaos—especially with Syd's erratic behavior—true love can flourish. Their bond is a testament to the power of support and understanding in the face of adversity.
Moreover, Kross’s journey resonates deeply, as he grapples with the weight of his losses. It's a poignant reminder that healing takes time, and the search for happiness is often a winding road. I share your hope that he finds solace and joy once again, as every character in this story deserves their moment of peace and fulfillment.
Kaylyn's storytelling captures the essence of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of those seeking redemption. It's a beautiful exploration of how connections can heal and uplift, even in the darkest of times.
November 5, 2024
I made it to 26% but baby this was a DRAAAAAG, the story was dull. The characters didn’t give enough to engage you. Like as an author you gotta draw the reader in with your characters or your story telling. This book had what seemed to be an interesting story, the problem is the speed. Like nothing was happening for mad chapters. Like sure I don’t need them freaking off on page one but like give us a spark, make it feel like something is growing. Give us the reader some warm and fuzzy something to kick our feet up at. Like the boss don city ruler trope doesn’t hit when the man is boring like only personality trait he had was “That man” but nothing about him stood out to me. I tried to feel something for Kenyon but I couldn’t like AT ALL. He was dry, Zara/Nova/ Kendall was dry like the county girl becoming a city girl story line just didn’t hit. She just seemed unsatisfied with life but wasn’t doing nothing special. You left ya small town to strip? Lmao that was the dream. I may revisit this later but probably not
December 4, 2024
Great read!
I loved Zara and Kenyon and the love they shared. Zara was a bit annoying at times especially wanting him to open up while she kept her secrets hidden. I understand that her secret coming out put her family at risk so she could’ve been more understanding there. I just knew Javier was tied to her family having to uproot their lives. I also thought John may have been her bio dad whew I was hoping not.
I wasn’t a fan of Kenyon’s and Syds relationship after the hotel scene it was weird how obsessed she was with Zara too.
I feel like Kross needs a story too he’s healing from the loss of maybe his true love. I would love to see him healed with a second chance love ❤️
Overall very enjoyable read, great story line and plot twists as well and I stan a HEA 🫶🏾 it makes my heart smile.
I loved Zara and Kenyon and the love they shared. Zara was a bit annoying at times especially wanting him to open up while she kept her secrets hidden. I understand that her secret coming out put her family at risk so she could’ve been more understanding there. I just knew Javier was tied to her family having to uproot their lives. I also thought John may have been her bio dad whew I was hoping not.
I wasn’t a fan of Kenyon’s and Syds relationship after the hotel scene it was weird how obsessed she was with Zara too.
I feel like Kross needs a story too he’s healing from the loss of maybe his true love. I would love to see him healed with a second chance love ❤️
Overall very enjoyable read, great story line and plot twists as well and I stan a HEA 🫶🏾 it makes my heart smile.
February 28, 2025
hit or miss
This author is always a hit or miss with me. I’m not sure why she isn’t explaining ANYTHING, I’m only 18% into the book but it’s frustrating me to no end. I had to use context clues to figure out Sydney and Kenton’s relationship, and still don’t know what’s really to them for real. Idk what made Kross so mean, and why Megan seems to always be mad. Also it hasn’t been explained what Zara or whatever is in the witness protection program. Reading this story with no background infor on NONE of the characters but a whole bunch of stuff being mentioned makes me not like the book. It’s seems that Nova makes a whole lot of money in the club but she keeps saying how she gotta work hard and how she needs her job, so that’s why she gave ole girl a lap dance. What is she doing with her money. Idk doesn’t seem worth the finish to me.
This author is always a hit or miss with me. I’m not sure why she isn’t explaining ANYTHING, I’m only 18% into the book but it’s frustrating me to no end. I had to use context clues to figure out Sydney and Kenton’s relationship, and still don’t know what’s really to them for real. Idk what made Kross so mean, and why Megan seems to always be mad. Also it hasn’t been explained what Zara or whatever is in the witness protection program. Reading this story with no background infor on NONE of the characters but a whole bunch of stuff being mentioned makes me not like the book. It’s seems that Nova makes a whole lot of money in the club but she keeps saying how she gotta work hard and how she needs her job, so that’s why she gave ole girl a lap dance. What is she doing with her money. Idk doesn’t seem worth the finish to me.
November 14, 2024
Great read
Really hoping for a Kross and Rajah's story 🤞. Keyes and Zara were so cute. Can't say I'm understanding or a fan of Keyes and Sydney's relationship especially since boundaries were crossed. Even getting pass that her disdain for Zara definitely would've no longer placed them in a bestie zone. I wish we could've gotten insight to their relationship 3 years later and she interacted with her. I do feel like most if not all questions were answered so I'm not sure what previous reviewers are referring to? Oh I was hoping there would've been a twist to Zara's bio dad mixed in there. great read
Really hoping for a Kross and Rajah's story 🤞. Keyes and Zara were so cute. Can't say I'm understanding or a fan of Keyes and Sydney's relationship especially since boundaries were crossed. Even getting pass that her disdain for Zara definitely would've no longer placed them in a bestie zone. I wish we could've gotten insight to their relationship 3 years later and she interacted with her. I do feel like most if not all questions were answered so I'm not sure what previous reviewers are referring to? Oh I was hoping there would've been a twist to Zara's bio dad mixed in there. great read
March 4, 2025
Beautiful 💜
Man I’ve had this book for months in my kindle and have finally slowed down enough to catch up on my reading. Kaylyn sis you never disappoint me. This read tugged on my emotions and I loved every bit of it. Zara and Kenyon had so much in common but was scared to trust. They had their ups and downs but in the end everything was worth the trouble. I won’t go into details, just go read this book and enjoy!!
Man I’ve had this book for months in my kindle and have finally slowed down enough to catch up on my reading. Kaylyn sis you never disappoint me. This read tugged on my emotions and I loved every bit of it. Zara and Kenyon had so much in common but was scared to trust. They had their ups and downs but in the end everything was worth the trouble. I won’t go into details, just go read this book and enjoy!!
November 3, 2024
It was nice
The story was nice, Zara or Nova whatever she wanted to be called was just annoying to me, I understand wanting your partner to open up to you but she wanted Keys to tell her everything while she told him nothing & ran every chance she got. There’s more but everyone should just read it to see the rest and form their own opinion.
The story was nice, Zara or Nova whatever she wanted to be called was just annoying to me, I understand wanting your partner to open up to you but she wanted Keys to tell her everything while she told him nothing & ran every chance she got. There’s more but everyone should just read it to see the rest and form their own opinion.
November 3, 2024
Loved It
I would strongly recommend this standalone! Enjoyed this story from start to finish! Secrets will be explored and family and friendship will be evident in the main characters lives! Everyone need a Banana Nana for sure, her unconditional love and wisdom is exactly what everyone needed! You never know where you will find your person!
I would strongly recommend this standalone! Enjoyed this story from start to finish! Secrets will be explored and family and friendship will be evident in the main characters lives! Everyone need a Banana Nana for sure, her unconditional love and wisdom is exactly what everyone needed! You never know where you will find your person!
November 15, 2024
READ
Zara & Kenyon did not disappoint! Their chemistry was everything, and the pacing of their relationship felt just right. Syd was definitely on the creepy side she had zero chill! Now, I can’t help but wonder if we’ll get a book about Kross 👀. I feel like he has such a story to tell, but honestly, if not, Kenyon was enough to keep me happy
Zara & Kenyon did not disappoint! Their chemistry was everything, and the pacing of their relationship felt just right. Syd was definitely on the creepy side she had zero chill! Now, I can’t help but wonder if we’ll get a book about Kross 👀. I feel like he has such a story to tell, but honestly, if not, Kenyon was enough to keep me happy
February 10, 2025
I enjoyed Zara’s and Kenyon’s love story! Sidney was so obsessed with Zara, more so than Kenyon! She went too far and that’s when Kenyon revealed his feelings for Zara! Of course that made Zara’s work atmosphere tense, being Kenyon was the man everyone wanted! Secrets were exposed and I’m glad as always love prevailed!
October 31, 2024
Worth The Wait!
First things first, Misa would’ve had to see 👏🏽 me 👏🏽!! Not going to hold you, Brandy was something else. I loved me some Keyes and Zara, real bad!!
Also, please please please tell me Kross got next 🙏🏽🥺
First things first, Misa would’ve had to see 👏🏽 me 👏🏽!! Not going to hold you, Brandy was something else. I loved me some Keyes and Zara, real bad!!
Also, please please please tell me Kross got next 🙏🏽🥺
November 10, 2024
I enjoyed this book. The easy banter this couple had made me smile too many times. They were real and only trying to make things work for themselves, it was lovely. I enjoyed being a fly on their wall and I this story flowed so nicely for me. I love how you write Kaylyn
November 15, 2024
tainted
Chile the drama! Despite being on the edge of my seat this book def gave me all the feels . Kenyon and Zara were both tainted but were the perfect match. I always love Kaylyn’s books and this one was no different . I would def love a follow up about Kross!
Chile the drama! Despite being on the edge of my seat this book def gave me all the feels . Kenyon and Zara were both tainted but were the perfect match. I always love Kaylyn’s books and this one was no different . I would def love a follow up about Kross!
December 17, 2024
4.1
It took me forever to finish this only due to the slow start and confusion that was laced on my face. overall loved the plot and the characters. Keyes and Rajah was a personal favorite for the batter they spilled throughout the book
It took me forever to finish this only due to the slow start and confusion that was laced on my face. overall loved the plot and the characters. Keyes and Rajah was a personal favorite for the batter they spilled throughout the book
June 12, 2025
Cute read
I thought I was going to hate this based on the reviews but I’m happy I read it. I’ve been in a slump since my last Shvonne Latrice read and this was a good pick me up.
3.5⭐️
I thought I was going to hate this based on the reviews but I’m happy I read it. I’ve been in a slump since my last Shvonne Latrice read and this was a good pick me up.
3.5⭐️
October 31, 2024
4.5
Kaylyn one of those authors that when she drops, I’m reading immediately and this book is another reason why.
Kaylyn one of those authors that when she drops, I’m reading immediately and this book is another reason why.
November 2, 2024
yum
This was delicious, from beginning to end. I ate this right on up, in one sitting I want to be greedy and but u can’t It ended so perfectly.
This was delicious, from beginning to end. I ate this right on up, in one sitting I want to be greedy and but u can’t It ended so perfectly.
November 3, 2024
AWESOME READ
I enjoyed this read. Secret always have a way of coming out. Keyes fear of letting Nova in but not allowing her was causing more problem than he anticipated.
I enjoyed this read. Secret always have a way of coming out. Keyes fear of letting Nova in but not allowing her was causing more problem than he anticipated.
November 4, 2024
great read!
This was a great read! I loved everything about it! I’m glad that Sydney finally was able to live in her truth and that everybody else got their happy ending as well
This was a great read! I loved everything about it! I’m glad that Sydney finally was able to live in her truth and that everybody else got their happy ending as well
November 4, 2024
loved
This book was everything! It gave me all the feels! The character development was on point. I loved their chemistry
This book was everything! It gave me all the feels! The character development was on point. I loved their chemistry
Read
November 9, 2024DNF
November 19, 2024
great read
This book is everything, I love the plot twist and the storyline, the characters were good, the love between the main characters were felt, it was just a great story
This book is everything, I love the plot twist and the storyline, the characters were good, the love between the main characters were felt, it was just a great story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews