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Taboo

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He brutalised the wrong woman and now Harper Kane is coming for him . . .
Following the death of her husband, Desiree is left with two clubs. However, while her family are desperate to get ownership signed over to them, Desiree has other plans that involve Harper Kane.
It’s only been a year since Harper had to endure horrific torture at the hands of the Russian traffickers, but it didn’t break her, it only made her tougher. And now the one person she believed she could trust has shockingly become the enemy.
When Harper meets Desiree Deacon, she discovers that there is so much more to her family than just nightclubs. Harper is forced to enter the world of the unimaginable and discovers deeply guarded secrets that will leave her reeling.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2022

158 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Kerry Barnes

32 books211 followers
Kerry Barnes: The Voice of British Gangland Fiction.
Kerry Barnes is a bestselling British gangland and crime thriller author, known for writing gritty, hard-hitting stories rooted in the darker side of organised crime. Her novels are packed with tension, betrayal, revenge, and morally complex characters — often driven by fierce, uncompromising women who refuse to back down.
Widely recognised for her raw, fast-paced style, Kerry’s books explore the realities of loyalty, power, family, and survival within the criminal underworld. Her stories pull no punches and aren’t afraid to venture into uncomfortable territory, making her a firm favourite with readers who enjoy dark, authentic British crime fiction.
With multiple chart-topping and number one bestselling titles, Kerry Barnes has built a loyal readership among fans of gangland fiction and crime thrillers. Her work is frequently compared to leading voices in the genre such as Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers, while maintaining a distinctive edge and voice of her own.
Kerry is the author of several popular series, including the Dolly Vincent Trilogy, Carrie Verne Series, Nemesis Trilogy, Harper Kane Trilogy, and The Hunted Trilogy, alongside a growing list of standalone novels and dark psychological thrillers.
Her latest work continues to push boundaries, delivering intense storytelling with sharp dialogue, emotional depth, and relentless pace — perfect for readers who like their crime fiction bold, brutal, and unforgettable.

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5 stars
1,668 (79%)
4 stars
331 (15%)
3 stars
73 (3%)
2 stars
14 (<1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
174 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2022
Wow

I chose five stars because it's full of action from beginning to the end. Young girls being kidnapped some surviving some not so lucky. Just as Harper finds love it is snatched away from her in the cruelest way
Profile Image for Tracy Mckie Peart.
19 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2022
Omg! Gripping, emotive & fierce!

What can I say! If you thought you knew Harper kane?, Think again...
This book has it all. A backstory to break your heart and so much drama & intrigue throughout. Delores comes into her own as her sister takes a backseat but Harper is at the forefront of the action from the word go and more hell bent on revenge than ever. A truly gritty grisly act from Harper with all the usual suspects involved including ol Tel her trusty mate. Harper and her sisters story comes to light in an unimaginable way involving cruelty and violence on another level. No spoilers from me but infant wait for book 3 of this series! Well done Kerry on another blinding addition which leaves you wanting book 3 now!
Profile Image for Vicki - I Love Reading.
961 reviews56 followers
January 29, 2023
I say it each time I read a book by this author that - I don't know how KB does it, but i'm so glad that she does. Another superb exceptional read..
Book 2 in this series is a stonker of a story, gripping, exciting and thrilling. I didn't want to put the book down and read it in no time.
If you haven't tried any books by this author and enjoy a good gritty gangland crime thriller then give these a go. For me I'd say it's best to read a series in order and this is book 2 so I would start with book 1 'Trusted'
As soon as i finished book 2 i started book which I'm currently reading.
I got this book via Kindle Unlimited, so if you have not tried these and have KU then you don't have anything to lose. Give them a go. You wont regret it.
155 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2022
Wow what a brilliant story.

I have just read this brilliant book and it must be a must .so far this book has been the best for 2022 this year .there as got to be a follow up of this novel. I could not put this book down and making excuses that I had a bad head for a few days so I could read this book in bed .I felt I was actually there in the book .I would highly recommend this book and you certainly will not be disappointed. If I could give more stars then I would 5 stars is a big must .
Profile Image for Sandra.
566 reviews22 followers
April 5, 2022
Well what can i say OMG Kerry Barnes this book had my emotions in turmoil what a cracking story that had me all fired up.I love Harper she is tough and takes no crap not even from family so she wants to help Desiree with the problem she has had since her husbands death.When Harper finds Erin out the back of her club one night all hell breaks loose.Thank you Kerry Barnes for yet another BRILLIANT book and if i could you would get more than 5* this is definitely a 10* book.
Profile Image for Miriam.
950 reviews
April 6, 2022
Gritty and heartbreaking in places, Kerry Barnes does know how to keep her readers gripped from the first page. I love that Harper is a strong character that takes no nonsense and just when things finally look to be working out in her personal life, it changes in a second, I can’t wait for the next book as it looks like we’ll see Harper emerge stronger and out for revenge. Definitely a five star read and more if I could give it.
Profile Image for Julia Charles.
91 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2022
ohmygoodgod!

I absolutely love KB and couldn’t wait for Taboo to be released.

I wasn’t disappointed, she’s done it again!!

I wasn’t really taken with it at first but my god, I’m glad I carried on reading.

I’ve done naff all today, apart from finish this fantastic book. Well done Kerry!
147 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2022
She's done it again

I loved this second book about Harper Kane and her family, it's hard hitting, grabs you in from the first page and continues to keep you on the roller coaster all the way through. As well as the bad guys we also have a serial killer who is totally insane. Wow what a great read, just need to wait now for the next installment .Hope it's not too long .
Profile Image for Jody Wheeler.
390 reviews
April 13, 2022
What a book

This book had me sucked in. Couldn't wait too read it after reading the first book with Harper Kane in. I have read a lot of good books and not so good but these books by Kerry Barnes are just great. If you ever read a book read Kerry Barnes. I couldn't put this book down. I really hope there is another to follow.
Profile Image for Donna Louise Kay.
137 reviews
April 25, 2022
Brilliant. As usual

Another cracking read from Kerry. I loved every page, every word and didn't want it to end. Was kinda hoping for a different ending, the obvious ending, but that's just not how our Kerry works. The book keeps you on your toes. Bonus that she put me in it! So it's special to me.
2 reviews
March 30, 2022
The best yet !

What a cracking read ! Taboo is a fantastic book and I can't wait to find out what happens with Harper Kane in the next chapter of her complicated life.Absolutely cannot recommend this highly enough.
Profile Image for Biff meechan.
362 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2022
Taboo⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the second book in the series about Harper Kane and it was so good. If you read the first then you'll definitely enjoy this book too. Kerry Barnes is one of my go to authors and I have read all her books to date . I absolutely love the main character ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Alison Courtenay.
4 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2022
Just wow!

Oh wow Kerry, fantastic book! Read this in two sessions, wish it could have just been one but it was worth the wait! You are a writer to beware of, can your mind get any more corrupt 😂might just have to go back and re-read some of your earlier ones while I'm waiting for the 3rd book in this epic series!!
Profile Image for Kelly Egan.
214 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2022
Ok people before picking up this book get your shopping in, house cleaned and arrangements made for any kids you have cos you WILL NOT want to put this down! 5 stars does not give it justice. Kerry Barnes is one of those authors who doesn't disappoint.
Profile Image for Kalonicea O'Connell.
14 reviews
May 8, 2022
Taboo



Yet again, another brilliant read. I didn't want to put it down. A fantastic writer. Every chapter filled with intrigue & suspense.
I'm off now to choose my next good read from Kerry.
113 reviews
May 23, 2022
Brilliant

Absolutely brilliant read had me awake for two days un able too put it down loved the story and characters harper kane is a very fair girl but don't cross her or her family ,consequences of your actions will cost you ,watch out those who try and cross her





8 reviews
May 29, 2022
absolutely brilliant amazing brutal can’t wait for part 3

Yes yes yes! Brilliant hooked from first page can’t wait for next one absolutely mind blowing well done Kerry Barnes another awesome read
64 reviews
July 2, 2022
Fantastic read.

This book is definitely a must read at all costs, I can't wait for the third book in the trilogy. I was absolutely hooked from beginning to end. Loved everything, the characters the storyline everything.
Yet another un-put-down-able book.
Profile Image for Leona.
1,501 reviews
August 14, 2022
Gripping read from the very start.

This was the second book in this series and it was a fantastic read. The story had me hooked from the very start. A gripping and gritty crime thriller.
Profile Image for Marc Clegg.
94 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2022
Amazing

Another blinder from kerry barnes, one my fave authors if you have not read i highly recommnend!!! All her books habe been amazing she just keeps smashing them out of the bag!!
Profile Image for Joanne Dickinson.
133 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2022
Wow what an ending

Kerry Barnes books are brilliant and now on to book 3
Can't sleep cas I need to keep reading them.
A book that has you on the end of your seat.
Well done Kerry Barnes
Profile Image for Kay Stoneham.
17 reviews
November 20, 2022
magnificent

Wow wow wow… what an amazing book, literally could not stop reading. So many twists and turns, it even made me cry. I’m so pleased there is a third book and fingers crossed many more. Harper really is someone you’d want in your life. Never stop writing Kerry Barnes
Profile Image for linda.
2 reviews
May 7, 2024
Another great read.

Kerry Barnes books are the type of books that I can really get into. You can picture who the people that you are reading about.
I have many of late nights due to not being able to put the book down😀
219 reviews
May 18, 2024
I can't wait for the next book. This was so much better than the first in the series. It tied up some loose ends from the first book, Trusted, and gave so much more. Twists and turns in every chapter. And, finished on a cliff-hanger. Bring it on!!!!
Profile Image for Iris  Pusemuckel.
495 reviews
June 22, 2024
I liked the first book a lot. But hell, why this author overdoes it with the holy Harper! It is too much! Forgiving such an evil bitch as her sister Erin everything and giving her a fucking kidney?! Sorry, I can't go on. This is getting ridiculous. It makes me sick.
Profile Image for Shelly.
150 reviews
August 24, 2025
Taboo

Omg I'm obsessed with these books. You seriously can not put them down. Poor Harper but I can't wait to read next book as I know she will get revenge..The writing is so good with such good plot twists. Loving this serjes
Profile Image for amanda hurcombe.
10 reviews4 followers
March 29, 2022
Heart stopping good

I love this book , I couldn't put it down . I cried laughed and held my breath. Kerrie Barnes has done it again .
26 reviews
March 29, 2022
Kerry Barnes you done it again

Absolutely gripped from beginning to end, if I was ever in a bad situation Harper is exactly who I would want on my side
She’s an amazing character
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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