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The Senses Series #8

The Perception of Vice

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I’m running for my freedom, for the hope of a good life, for my faith in true love.

One night my boyfriend takes me out to dinner, slips a ring on my finger, and tells me we’re getting married in three days. Oh, and we’re moving to a war-torn country, which he’ll lead as president. When I refuse his non-proposal, he blackmails me into submission. Suddenly the man I was falling in love with is my worst enemy.

No matter how hard I run, he hunts me down, and whenever I fight back to try to save myself, he turns it into a twisted game.

Now I’m on a mission to find out what drove him to accept this assignment and why he’s so cold and distant. But the more I discover about my husband, the more I’m drawn to his deviant desires. Then, when a far worse enemy threatens me, I’m forced to ask myself how long I’ve had these cravings and why my loyalty to him outweighs all else.

How I love a furious little rebel. Even better if she thinks she can escape from me. Because she never will.

I tried having a normal relationship with my girlfriend, but I’m too screwed up. Now my latent desire to kidnap her and keep her as my plaything has become reality. She’s mine till death, and I have complete control over her. Let her think I’m going to kill her. Love means vulnerability before your enemies, and this operation requires I get attached to no one.

Yet I don’t bargain for my past catching up with me. I accepted this assignment thinking I’d shape a country’s fate, but that fate is fast turning into a nightmare. Politics and love are both driving me closer to the traumas I’ve fled from all my adult life. As I cling to my last shreds of control, my world crumbles, leaving me questioning everything.

When I’m utterly alone, off keel, and reduced to nothing, the memory of my little rebel drives me to seek a self I never knew. Can I find myself, rescue her, and save the country before my enemies cause widespread destruction?

The eighth book in the Senses series, this can be enjoyed as a standalone, though it reads better after the sixth in the series, The Sight of Obsession.

500 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2025

9 people want to read

About the author

Kathleen Haley

26 books76 followers
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...

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Hash.
91 reviews5 followers
June 1, 2025
I'm so sad this is the finale of this series! But what a finale!!!

Audrey and Hunter's story began in book 6, The Sight of Obsession. Now they've been dating for four months when Hunter springs news on Audrey. As in, they are flying to another country Sunday, will be married Monday and will assume presidential and first lady positions of that country.

And when Audrey rebels, Hunter knows just how to blackmail her into compliance.

So off they go, her becoming more and more sure each day that this Hunter is not the man she's been dating. There are things the same but this Hunter pushes Audrey far outside her normal zone. And she finds that she likes it, the danger.

Hunter seems to be a different man, yet also not. He is determined not to fail in this post he accepted, he knows how high the stakes are for the world if he does. There are also those working against him to get him to fail. Hunt will desperately need Audrey's love before the end, to reel him back to himself.

I adored this book, this series and all of Kathleen's other books. Grab this series, you will be so happy you did. Treat yourself.
Profile Image for reader. kore.
211 reviews18 followers
June 20, 2025
Best read of the year so far! Kathleen excels at world building, bringing readers to a Rudinia, immersing you in it's culture, language and history. Buckle up for an alphahole hero who will make you want to tear your hairs hairs out and a feisty sunshine heroine you will love to adore. TPOV is one rollercoaster you will not want to get down from. Might burn your reading device. Batteries and wipes are not included. ;)

Now if you have been following the series, or read The Sight of Obsession, the Hunter you knew is gone. He does a 180 in his book. There's so much power play, mind games and all the delicious ways Hunter and Audrey circle each other. They were meant to be from the start, and I will urge readers to read Hunter's chapter from TSOO to get a full idea of their story.

Regardless, this isn't a conventional love story. One thing you can count on Kathleen to balance is the dark romance aspect and the found family trope. That truth and good will always prevail. I love the challenge she took with weaving in current themes, the dystopian reality we are heading towards in real life (always will commend her for writing books rooted in reality even when the heroes are filthy rich in this series).

If you still need more convincing, Hunter is a jealous possessive man, and stops at nothing to stake claim over his wife and Audrey is his perfect match, a goddess, too good for him but he eventually grows into the man to be worthy of her.

Pack your bags and buckle up for a summer holiday in Rudinia!
157 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2025
Another great book from the Senses Series by the very talented author of Dark Romance. @Kathleen Haley.What is a girl to do when her new boyfriend basically forces her to marry him. But can she tolerate his dominance? His cruel way of controlling her at times? She has no choice, no say in anything. She has to escape, but she can't her body craves him. Needs him like nothing else in her world. She Hates him, or does she. With each passing day her heart and body tell her otherwise? Dive into this steamy dark romance with lots of action, turmoil and emotions. It is really good.
Profile Image for Jo Bailey.
42 reviews8 followers
July 2, 2025
I never wanted this series to end, but here we are, the final installment in the senses series by the very talented Kathleen Haley.

We first meet Hunter in book 6 (The Sight of Obsession) and when I tell you I loved him from the start!! I couldnt wait for his & Audreys story and it did not disappoint.
The Perception of Vice is one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride the plot is captiviating, its full of twists and turns you didnt see coming.

Hunter had me all torn up throughout I actually hated him at times, he is a controlling, stubborn arse but you just know there is a heart of gold underneath if he could just get out of his own way and see that. As the story develops he is forced to face all his demons and his worst fears in order to save Audrey and realise what she means to him.

Audrey is the FMC Kathleen writes best, she is a strong, independent, driven woman who knows what she wants and what she likes...or does she... Hunter takes her mind and body places she didnt realise she needed, and she craves him. Even when Hunter is way out of line and she pushes back against him her body still knows him and wants him.

If you like a controlling, manipulative, genius hacker who will walk the fires of hell to get back what he lost, then Hunter is your guy.

This whole series is so well written and the latest installment does not disappoint.
Profile Image for Tracy McDonell.
124 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2025
Thank you for this ARC read!! For The Perception of Vice to be the final book in a series, that I have not read any, I was pleasantly surprised that it was a standalone.

From the beginning to the end of this book the banter and the spice between Hunter and Audrey (Hunt and Blade) keeps you chuckling and turning pages. Then you add the political turmoil and the side characters… it made for a good weekend read.

This definitely was a palette cleanser for me… a good romance read 🤣
Profile Image for Lucy Huddleston.
39 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2025
It's been a while since I've had the pleasure of devouring one of Kathleen's books and The Perception of Vice didn't disappoint. It's the scorching hot, emotionally charged finale of the Senses series.

Set against the immersive backdrop of Rudinia, this story pulls you into a world of blackmail, power, politics, and primal desire. It’s a visceral, high stakes game of obsession, betrayal, and redemption. I was on edge while reading! Hunter takes centre stage as a ruthless, controlling, and dangerously compelling MMC. He’s the kind of alphahole you want to hate, but can’t stop thinking about. As his emotional armour cracks, you’re drawn deeper into the torment behind his dominance. Audrey, his fierce, fiery match, is a delightful FMC. She’s independent, driven, and easy to root for. Kathleen has a captivating way of writing. Their chemistry is electric and intense, flipping between push and pull, love and loathing, surrender and control.

Kathleen has a fantastic talent for weaving dark romance with sharp social commentary, and this book is just one example. It was such a brilliant read, easy to get lost into, and before I knew it, it was over! It can be enjoyed as a standalone, but as it's interconnected with the rest of the series, I'd definitely recommend starting from the first.
Profile Image for Shanna Smith.
175 reviews12 followers
June 26, 2025
I am sad in a way to finish this book because it's the end of a great....no, fabulous series. I have my favorites and the story of Hunt and Audrey is close to the top of my list. Just when I thought Kathleen couldn't top her other Alphahole MMC, this one tops them all. From lovers/enemies to lovers/found family, then throw in a little mystery with suspense in a world of political intrigue...who wouldn't love to read a book like this.

Audrey is strong and is determined to stand up against Hunt but there is one thing she can't do...that is run from Hunt. Her mind seems to want to run away but her body seems to want to run towards the danger and that is Hunt. However, Hunt seems to have a little problem and that is all the secrets from his past that could destroy what he has...his presidency and the one person he craves all the times. Will everything come crashing down or while Hunt and Audrey get their HEA.

I have been with Kathleen from the beginning of this series and I have to say with each book I fall more in love with her writing. I even love the Alphaholes that tend to get themselves in trouble but seem to have a strong women behind them to keep them on track. I can't wait to see what Kathleen has in store for us in her next series.
Profile Image for Mirra Mitchell.
326 reviews4 followers
June 22, 2025
I have to go back and read some of the series that I missed because I was a little confused for some of the book. It’s still was a good book.

As Audrey tries to escape, Hunt turns her rebellion into a twisted game, drawing her into his obsession. Despite her initial resistance, she feels an undeniable attraction to his dark desires. Hunt, a possessive and manipulative genius, relishes Audrey’s fiery spirit and aims to control her completely.

When Hunt’s past resurfaces and threatens his presidency, their lives spiral into chaos. Can he save himself and Audrey while battling old demons and new threats?

Kathleen Haley skillfully immerses readers in this intense tale of desire and conflict. The palpable tension between Hunt, a tortured hero, and the strong-willed Audrey creates a magnetic pull that keeps readers engaged.
Profile Image for Vivien Richards.
1,265 reviews18 followers
June 26, 2025
The plot of this book was so good and unique. It's an edgy dark romance with political drama, high stakes and suspense. This is Audrey and Hunt's story. Hunt is an alpha male who has only been dating Audrey for a few months but he gives her a ring and tells her they are to be married in three days. Not only that, but he informs her they will be moving to a country that's at war where he will be the president. When she tries to refuse him, he blackmails her to force her hand. Even though Audrey seems a little afraid and rebellious against Hunt at first, she can't help but be drawn into his world of secrets and dark depraved desires. She is totally seduced into his kind of chaotic love. This is the book you didn't know you needed.
Profile Image for Amber.
966 reviews42 followers
June 27, 2025
What an ending to this series! As always, Kathleen knows how to write an alpha-hole. We met Hunt and Audrey in Zane and Pearl's book. Now they have been seeing each other for 4 months when Hunter learns he has been asked to be the interim president of Rudinia and needs to be married. After forcing Audrey to agree, they head there. Audrey really learns Hunter's true dominant personality as he breaks her down. The people of Rudinia are at war with each other, one side wants change and the other wants to keep the old dictator ways. As Hunter does his best to make changes, Audrey is taken from him. He learns secrets about his company, the country and his past. Can he save her in time?
Profile Image for Nilsa.
70 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2025
It has been a while since I have read a book from this series and once again Kathleen Haley did not disappoint! This was my just about the love story of Hunter and Audrey, it was also about the injustice in other countries of womens rights. When Hunter finally taps in to his true feelings for Audrey and fights for her and makes it his mission to keep her but on her terms. Although he is her dom, she proves that she holds all the power.
Profile Image for CassiandraJ.
288 reviews20 followers
June 20, 2025
🖤Political Intrigue
🖤Mystery/Suspense
🖤Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
🖤Kidnapping
🖤BDSM (Master/slave)
🖤Revenge
🖤Billionaire
🖤Morally Grey MMC

Holy shit - Kathleen Haley has truly outdone herself with this one! I assumed Hunter had to be a little twisted considering who his best friend is, Zane from The Sight of Obsession, but he took it to a completely different level! After loathing him for a good portion of the book, he slowly became my favorite Senses Series MMC.

Be prepared for twists & turns that seem to never end for him and Audrey. The arc to redemption isn't straight by any means and it's a true rollercoaster ride.

To see the way Audrey adored Hunt, even when she shouldn't, shows true love & devotion. Hell, he was showing it in ways that were hard to see at many times.

This is definitely better enjoyed after book 6, but it can be read standalone. I'm just sad that this was the finale as the series is so damn good.
Profile Image for Carrington.
322 reviews
June 19, 2025
Thanks so much to the author for the arc! So sad this series is over! Enjoyed the characters & setting. Excited for more from this author!
Profile Image for neeshreads.
346 reviews16 followers
June 13, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

All good things must come to an end, and alas, this is the final book in The Senses Series. I have loved getting to know each of these characters Kathleen has created, and we finished with quite the rollercoaster!

🖤Dark Romance
🖤Billionaire, Alphahole MMC
🖤Film Student, Empathetic FMC
🖤Forced Marriage
🖤Bläckmäıl
🖤DubCon
🖤Power Exchange
🖤Master-Slave Dynamic
🖤BD$M Elements
🖤Suspension, Bløød, Breath & Pet Play
🖤Humiliation, Bøndäge, & Discipline

Audrey and Hunt’s story started in Book 6, The Sight of Obsession, where their meet-cute might have involved her wielding an axe at him – who’s to say? 🤭 Now, they’ve been dating for 4 months and Audrey is about to figure out who Hunt truly is…

One night, Hunt takes Audrey out to dinner, and before she can blink, he’s slipped a ring on her finger and tells her they’re getting married in three days, moving to a war-torn country and that he’ll be inducted as president. When Audrey tries to refuse Hunt’s non-proposal, he blackmails her into submission and the man she was falling for is now her enemy.

Each time Audrey tries to run, he hunts her down and her husband-to-be turns any rebellions into a twisted game. Audrey is determined to stand her ground, and to go toe-to-toe with Hunt, she’s determined to uncover what makes him tick. The more she discovers? The more she is drawn to his dark desires, and the way her body responds to him might be telling her what he brain refuses to acknowledge…

Hunt has tried to be the golden retriever boyfriend, but his underlying desire to ladynap Audrey and keep her as his plaything to use as he pleases becomes their reality. Hunt loves Aud’s fury and rebellious nature, and is determined to have complete control over her until death.

But, when Hunt’s past makes an ugly reappearance and his newfound presidency collides with secrets long-buried, his carefully controlled existence turns into a chaotic nightmare. Will he be able to save himself, Audrey, and stop the next world war? Or, is resistance futile in the face of old demons and new foes?

Kathleen Haley does a fabulous job of immersing you into her world and having you form attachments to the characters that inhabit it. Hunt is the epitome of a possessive and obsessive Dom who is slightly manipulative (to meet his own ends), and a genius hacker with an intricately working mind. Audrey is a strong and driven woman who knows what she wants, until Hunt takes her body and mind on avenues she never thought were possible. The tension between these two was palpable, like a powder keg about to explode, and the pull they felt toward one another was magnetic. Audrey was gone for Hunt, even at times when she logically knew she probably shouldn’t be, but her feelings were steadfast and her devotion unwavering. Hunt kept his true feelings so guarded, that at times, it was extremely hard for me to like him – but who doesn’t end up caving for a tortured hero who will go to hell and back to get back what he lost while vanquishing his enemies in the process?

This is best read after book 6 in this series of interconnected standalones, but will be enjoyable as the finale if you go in order!
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,060 reviews34 followers
June 23, 2025
Forced to marry to become president

So this story starts out with a bang. Hunt is set to become president of Rudinia but their laws require he is married. So in true rich guy fashion he plans a lavish date out and now the woman he has been seeing casually for the last few weeks is going to be his wife. Yeah she didn't get a say in the matter.

So we first met Hunt in book 6 of the series and it is finally time to get his story. This book is full of political intrigue, foiled plans, BDSM elements, kidnapping, and past trauma....you know the usual.

I really enjoyed the story in this one. There are so many moving parts and so many different things going on at all times. Every time we got a piece of the puzzle something else shifted causing more questions or unexpected consequences.

As with all the men in this series Hunt is running from his past, rich and loves his women submissive. He wants to do everything on his own and that could be his undoing.

While this book is a standalone you should read the whole series but if not at least read book 6 first so you understand more about what is going on in this one.

Another great book from Kathleen.
Profile Image for Nikki B..
768 reviews16 followers
June 28, 2025
I have read every single book in this series and I personally feel this entire series is under hyped!!!!
In The Perception of Vice, we have Hunter. He is about to become the stand in President in Rudinia. However, he needs a wife. So what does he do? He blackmails his girlfriend Audrey into marrying him and becoming the first lady. Hunter is dark and possessive. Every time Audrey tries to escape, he hunts her down, brings her back and punishes her in the most devious ways. I loved the way Audrey fell for him, even though she shouldn't. Their relationship is toxic, unhealthy, obsessive, and twisted. But as the country's war persists, Audrey is taken from him. And as a possessive, obsessed, Alpha male, he stops at nothing to get her back! I absolutely loved Hunter's character and I think he has to be my favorite, while Fox and Geraint will always hold a special place. I highly recommend reading this entire series! Kathleen writes these stories with magic because they always have me hooked from beginning to end!
Profile Image for booklover.mall.
75 reviews
June 9, 2025
Oh man what do I say about Kathleen she is amazing, sweet, kind and omg! she knew what she is was doing when she wrote TPOV but overall all her books are AMAZING!

Now my review

You always seem to surprise me, even when I think I know. The Perception of Vice is I don't even know what to say but amazing, fabulous, and so much you more. Kathleen ma'am your writing can and get me all hot and bothered and needing more from you.

If you love and want an Alpha, submissive, BDSM, twist and turns kind of book then look no further "The Perception of Vice" is THE BOOK YOU NEED!!! Hunter and Audrey's story is what you need it will giving you all the feels you didn't think you needed. This is Book 8 in the series can be read a standalone but it would be way better to read from Book 1.

I am sad that this series is came to and end but can't wait for what is to coming...
Profile Image for OooLaLa Reads.
456 reviews32 followers
June 18, 2025
Hunter Broke My Morals... and I Liked It😏

Book Besties, buckle up! "The Perception of Vice" by Kathleen Haley is a wild descent into obsession, trauma, and toe-curling spice. Audrey is a beautifully broken FMC—haunted and hardened. Enter Hunter: dark, damaged, and morally f**king gone. The man is chaos in a tailored suit, and their dynamic? Pure, volatile fire. It’s toxic, it’s twisted, and it’s addictively wrong. Their power struggle bleeds into every page—manipulation, obsession, desire... it’s all deliciously destructive. While the pacing dragged in places, the spice? Absolutely feral. Hunter doesn’t play nice, and Audrey doesn’t back down. This book is long, dark, and seductive in the most fucked-up way.

⚠️ As always, check the trigger warnings, besties. Do not go in blind. This one will mess with your head—in the best way. 😏

My Ratings:
⭐ 4/5
🥵 4/5
Profile Image for Sofia Fernandez.
28 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2025
The Perception of Vice
The Senses
Book 8 Kathleen Haley
Audrey was strong and defiant, but she was blackmailed by Hunter. Hunter is a narcissistic womanizer. Romance, also politics, something new that I've never read but I loved it.

Content warning: master-slave dynamic, power exchange,
BDSM, forced marriage, blackmail, kidnapping, dubious
consent, humiliation, spanking, edging, blood play,
violence, bondage, teasing, discipline, torture, edge play,
suspension bondage, marking, eugenics, cloning, breath
play, anal sex, abuse, childhood trauma, rape, murder,
sexual assault, branding, hanging, drowning, suicide,
canine attacks, pet play. The book has all that, it is strong, what I read, many thanks to
Kathleen Haley. 4/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶
14 reviews
July 28, 2025
What can i say? Again a great read by an amazing writer. Enjoyed this series so so much
Profile Image for MsRoman.
1,112 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2025
The Perception of Vice (The Senses Series Book 8) By Kathleen Haley. Audrey was a delightful character. I enjoyed this story .
Profile Image for Noeli McClelland.
16 reviews
October 17, 2025
Loved the back and forth battle between Hunt and Audrey. Between their battle and Hunt trying to handle being president keeps you reading. I love her writing.
Profile Image for Lianne Scheepers.
142 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2025
I was wondering when we would get Hunter’s story. He seemed like an ok-ish guy in the previous books, so I was hoping for more of a glimpse from this man. Ofcourse he is just as damaged as all Kathleen’s men, and I was constantly outraged on Audrey’s behalf.

So Hunter has a lot to learn about relationships, and about himself. A god complex only suits when you can at least treat your woman right. Silly alphahole. 😉😏

The story is very political, with plotting, backstabbing and betrayals at each turn. There is an eerie scientific twist to the story as well, tying the plot together nicely. This twist gave me goose bumps, and not the fun kind. I was on the edge of my seat, making me fly through those last few chapters.

Yet another great read from Kathleen Haley!
Profile Image for Alisha Pascual.
312 reviews26 followers
June 25, 2025
I’ve only read a couple of books of this series, but the ones I have, they were all so amazingly written with the plots, details, characters, and the characters progressions & bonds. And this book was no different. Hunter & Audrey started in TSoO. Hunter is just as possessive, obsessive & a whole lot of alpha Dom just like the rest of the men in the series but really hones into that role in this book compared to TSOo.. And Audrey is defiant at first--because of the forced marriage--but she can’t deny her attraction to Hunter. This gave So much emotions and gave me the feels. I loved everything about this book, sad it’s the end of the series. But love Kathleens work.
Profile Image for Jo Osborne.
Author 4 books20 followers
July 18, 2025
I loved this book as I knew I would, I haven’t read on of Kathleen’s books yet that I didn’t like.

Hunt is a very complex man with one foot stuck in the past and the other in the present.

Audrey is a vibrant woman who is all about the future, the past is done and not worth worrying over.

A marriage of convenience for one is a marriage of little choice for the other, will it work or will it destroy them?

The politics of a country force the marriage, the politics of a company may end it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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