Think twice if…
- Content warnings: Stalking, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Emotional abuse, Dubious consent, Murder, Attempted murder, Sexual content
The Taste of Deceit
by Kathleen Haley
A twisty dark romance where the art world setting and murder mystery subplot elevate it beyond standard billionaire romance. The power dynamic between Astrid and Geraint crackles with tension, and the BDSM elements feel organic to their relationship rather than tacked on.
storykind_community 4/5 1 rating
Quick fit
Is this story right for you?
A decision-first view of the reading experience.
Story statusStandalone
Spice5/5 · Dominant vibes
PacingFast
Story profile
What the story promises
The strongest reviewed signals about romance, fantasy, and the reading experience.
Romance promise
- Enemies to lovers
- Male/female pairing (M/F)
- Slow burn
- High
- Dominant vibes
- Tension finally satisfied
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- Billionaire / CEO
- Love/hate tension
- Passionate / intense
- Feral brain activated
- Possessive alpha
- Possessive love interest
- Power dynamic
- The angst delivered
- Morally gray
- Push and pull
- Slow seduction
- Addictive read
- Dark/tortured soul
- He falls first
- Possessive / claiming
- Power imbalance
- Dirty talk heavy
- Obsessive love interest
- Rough / primal
- Control in bedroom only
- Teasing control
- Jaw holding / face cupping
- Eye contact intensity
- Tension
- Anticipation
- Possessive/protective
- BDSM elements
- Power exchange
- Bondage/restraint
- Dominance
- Degradation (light)
- Praise kink
- Impact play (spanking/hitting)
Fantasy promise
- Dark romance
- Manor house / estate
- Contemporary
- Humans only
- Billionaire romance
- Big city / metropolis
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- Forbidden love
- Kidnapped by the hero
- Secret relationship
- Captive romance
- Forced proximity
Reading experience
- Dual POV
- Fast
- Intense
- Seductive
- Heavy
- Medium
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- Artist/creative
- Dark
- Dramatic
- General badass
- Suspenseful
- Snarky/sarcastic
- Immersive
- Dangerous
- Edgy
- Tense
- Art world intrigue
- High society secrets
- Sensual tension
- Murder mystery undertones
- London aristocracy
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Different because
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Similar because
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Different because
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Book details
- Language
- English
- Format
- Book