Tainted Dreams

Loved it! Skye is sweet and feisty and Killian is mysterious and sexy. They've both been through a lot in their lives, but they found each other and help each other. They are hot separately but even hotter together! I really enjoyed reading about their love story and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Tainted Dreams kept my attention from start to finish. Killian was your typical alphahole who thought his word was law, but there were some fun twists to his personality I really enjoyed. His other persona was a bit over the top, and the story could have succeeded without it, but I still really enjoyed unraveling the different parts of him.

Skye had a difficult time figuring out who she was, and I think that really worked for the plot. Is she the happy-go-lucky yoga instructor? Damaged woman who went through hell as a kid? The possession of a man obsessed with her?

Her best friend, Layla, and brother, Wes, try to help her find herself as much as they can, but there's something going on between those two that distracts them. I think Wes has a hidden dark side, and I hope there's a book where he's the lead!

There's another set of friends - Chelsea and Lucian - who I wasn't a huge fan of. The scenes with them in it rubbed me the wrong way but didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story.

Tainted Dreams is billed as a dark romance, but it was tamer than I expected and I appreciated that. There was some serious spice and moral ambiguity, but overall a sweet romance!

I'm a sucker for an anti-hero story and Tainted Dreams did not disappoint. From the very first page I was loath to put down my kindle and just wanted to devour the story in one sitting. I'm not usually a fan of installing but in the case of Skye and stalker Killian it wotked, the chemistry was palpable and his 'burn the world" attitude towards anything that put his obsession at risk made me swoon (though a walking ref flag like Killian in real life would have me running to get a restraining order as fast as possible). Whilst I think the angsty twist might drag on a little too long for some, I think it was appropriate for the situation and was more than happy with the conclusion. I can't wait to read future books hopefully featuring the stories of Skye's two best friends and their respective love interests.

Tainted Dreams by Kimberly Quay was exactly the book I needed to read.
Honestly I enjoyed everything about Tainted Dreams.
The stalking added a mysterious element to the story which I loved.
The obsession and possessiveness was amazingly told.
The characters were so well written and developed. Killian and Skye I loved their story and was intrigued the entire time.
And the writing was great. I was hooked immediately and sucked into this story which I was sad to see it end so soon.

Tainted is book one in the TAINTED series and I’m ready for book two.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Rating: 4.25/5
Spice: 2/5

Took a chance with this book as the author is new to me but the synopsis intrigued me. Loved the story. Loved the relationship between Skye and Killian. I’m looking forward to future installments in this series. (Chelsea and Lucian and possibly Layla and Wes???)

Read this if you like/love:
- Billionaire dark romance
- Morally gray MMC
- “Touch her and you die” or “Who did this to you”
- Girl friendship goals (Layla and Chelsea)

Please do check for TW prior to reading, some include:
- Parent death/grief
- Physical abuse
- Discussions about addiction
- Killing
- Stalking

This story does include a third-act breakup that lasts for nearly a year due a secret/past action before they met. Both were not with other people during the separation but FMC did go out for one dinner as a favor to Layla.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

ok... I honestly did not expect to like this. some of the themes in the book I wasn't into, but like I was hooked. I really loved all of the characters, including side characters which has been sort of rare for me recently

should you date a dark stalker in real life? no. was I entertained? yes.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. This book was spicy! I loved Killian and Skye and cannot wait to get to know them better in the next book. This first book I feel has laid the groundwork for a fabulous series! It was just the right amount of sexy, I loved it! 5 stars from me.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one. It was such a cheeky wild ride and I was here for it. I really liked the characters and the way the author flowed with the plot.

Right from the start , this book had me completely Hooked. The author had put in a lot of effort into crafting both the characters and the plot, which were well-developed and intriguing. However, I must admit that I was hoping for something more from the story. While it did contain elements of the classic "obsession-stalker" trope, I felt that it lacked a unique twist or fresh perspective. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found myself invested in all the characters.

This was a wild ride and just what you’d expect from a dark billionaire romance. I can’t help but to love the trope of “once he sees her he only has eyes for her”. Definitely check CW. I will say though the stalker aspect is pretty lighthearted, almost to the point it’s a bit of a cheeky joke (and she’s in on it). I definitely didn’t mind that but for those who love the stalker trope it may not be what you expect.

The reason this lost a star for me was the many time jumps. And some random characters and plot points that would end up telling not showing. It made it drag on at some points.

The spice is plentiful. There was a good grovel and angsty bit. Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Kimberly Quay for this ARC!

A great start to a dark romance series. I'm always a sucker for the dark and 'broken' MC who falls in love with his 'light' FMC and they fix each other. This was spicy with a mix of a cute relationship and I although Killian was very morally grey you can't help but love him and Skye. I was super hooked when reading this and couldn't put it down and I can't wait to read the rest of this series.

➳ arc rating: 5 ★

First of all, I want to thank the author, BookGoSocial and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Tainted Dreams by Kimberly Quay will be coming out on May 26th, 2023.

Kimberly Quay is a new adult romance author. She also writes paranormal shifter romance and urban fantasy.

Tainted Dreams is book 1 in the TAINTED series. This novel is recommended for 18+ due to dark themes, violence, profanity, explicit sex scenes, and a possessive MMC.

What is the book about?
Killian Asher (MMC), a coldhearted billionaire haunted by a painful past, becomes obsessed with Skye Larsen (FMC), a tormented artist and yoga instructor.

Despite his focus on business and his resistance to relationships, Killian can't stay away from Skye and she consumes his thoughts and dreams. Skye, in turn, feels drawn to Killian and desires him like nothing else.

They are both determined to be together, and Killian is willing to do whatever it takes to make her his.

Tropes and themes:
• Stalker MMC.
• Spicy.
• Billionaire romance.
• Touch her and you die.

My review:
This book had me hooked since the very beginning.

Skye was so sweet but she also had a feisty side in her whenever she was around Killian; and the chemistry they had since the start was everything!

There’s a lot of grovelling from him at the end -for almost a year- that I really felt bad for him at one point but I was pleased with its conclusion.

Every time Lucian and Chelsea appeared, I was so invested in their story —I can’t wait to read their book! (and maybe Layla and Wes’ story too? 👀)

Tainted Dreams by Kimberly Quay is a great book overall with good writing.

My favourite quotes:
“She was a part of me, a part of my tainted soul. We were a perfect match made in hell.”

“I’d lost the only person who ever meant something to me, leaving me with nothing but tainted dreams of what could have been.”

Who I recommend this book to?
• Fans of the Twisted Series by Ana Huang.
• People who want to get into dark romance.

#TaintedDreams #NetGalley

This book was really good and really well written. I think it will do amazingly on social media when it comes out. The plot was great and I fell in love with the characters especially Layla.

I loved this book! Its definitely a darker romance, so please check your triggers but if you are able to read this title, please do! I love a good stalker romance and this was no exception! I really enjoyed the characters and their relationships. I hope this continues as a series because I was invested in the side characters and would love to get their stories!

i'm obsessed with beautiful cover. who couldn't be? i was sucked into this one immediately. i can't wait to keep recommending it.

Did he quite literally stalk her, yes, but I had a good time. If you don't find any part of a fictional man stalking someone romantic then don't read this, it will not be for you. It is however, for me. Killian and Skye are such a good couple and she really made him a better person. He always wanted to do what's best for her. I loved the unwavering faith that she had in him. It literally didn't matter what he did(besides the thing at the end) she loved him anyways.

This book gives me the same vibes as twisted love so if you like that you'll probably like this.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Have you ever sat down to read a book and thought to yourself, “I want a spicy psychotic book”?
Well look no further. Tainted Dreams is a dark romance where the main love interest is quite literally stalked until she falls in love with the main character. It’s giving “YOU” vibes, but in a spicer way. Overall, I did enjoy this arc and can’t wait to read more from Kimberly Quay.

Thank you to NetGalley for Giving me a e-copy of this book for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

⭐⭐⭐.75/5

In this book we are following Skye and Killian (one of my favourite names ever) in their love story. This book is a little dark with the murders and you kind of question if its a little of Stockholm syndrome but you also cant help but fall in love with them.

Their romance progressed rather quickly and with like 150 pages left you knew it wasn't going to be smooth sailing.

<Spoiler> You kind of could tell that Killian's secret was going to have something to do with Skye's past and that would be the cause of the typical 3rd act breakup, but still it was done very well </Spoiler>

I cannot wait to read the rest of the series <spoiler> and I really hope that a future book is about Lucien and Chelsea and I kind of think we'll get a Wes and Layla book too?? </Spoiler>

Tension - check
Spice - check
Murderous MMC who is soft for FMC - CHECK

I was not expecting to be so thoroughly sucked into this story the way I was.

I really enjoyed reading this book. For me personally some of the sexual content was a little much but I was prepared thanks to the content warning. I think more people should have these. I also enjoyed the playlist part of the book. I listened to those songs while reading and I can surely say the emotions were stronger than I thought they would be. I look forward to reading the rest of this series :)

HOLY JESUS LORD


Before I start I want to say MAJOR TW!! Please put yourself first when you’re reading!!


I absolutely LOVED this book!!! I could not put it down once I picked it up. It’s such a good and easy read to get out of a slump or just something if you’re bored with what you’re reading!! Let me just start off by saying that Killian Asher is the possessive man everyone secretly wants. I loved the little heated arguments with Skye’s best friend (Layla) and her brother (Wes) and I hope to see more of that in the next book! One thing that was a little out of my reading style was that it seemed like a insta-love situation. But that quickly went away when I was absolutely captivated by the love that Killian and Skye share for each other. They quite literally brought out the best and each other and kudos to her for holding out for so long and letting him grovel ehehehe.



TROPES
- Billionaire CEO
- Stalker Romance
- Touch her and I’ll kill you
- Who did this to you?
- Self-made Business woman

3.75 ⭐️ The grumpiest of grumps and a golden ray of sunshine. Such an enjoyable story that you don’t want it to end. Unfortunately the ending felt rushed like it needed to wrap up all loose ends. I’d rather it bled into another book or novella, but simply a personal preference.
Can’t wait to read other works from Kimberly!

An arc in exchange for an honest review, we have Skye and Killian our two main characters.
If you’re into dark sexy romances this is it. I could not set the book down, and I wish I was Skye in terms of having a sexy “stalker” aka our male lead character Killian.
Literally from page one, all I could feel was pure steam, and the chemistry and dynamic between our main characters are super intense from the get-go.
No matter how Killian tries he just can’t seem to stay away from Skye.
Just keep in mind this is a dark romance, so if you’re easily triggered you should steer clear. If you’re looking for a panty dropping book boyfriend, Killian is just extremely hot.

"Tainted Dreams" is an enthralling and captivating romance novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. With its magnetic characters and intense storyline, this book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and passion.

What sets "Tainted Dreams" apart from other romance novels is the depth and complexity of the characters. Killian and Skye are both flawed individuals with troubled pasts, making their journey all the more compelling. The author skillfully explores their emotional struggles and vulnerabilities, allowing readers to empathize with them on a profound level.

The chemistry between Killian and Skye is electric and palpable. Their interactions are charged with tension and desire, creating a sense of anticipation that keeps the pages turning. The author beautifully captures the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by the characters, from passion and longing to fear and vulnerability.

"Tainted Dreams" is an addictive and passionate romance novel that will leave readers breathless. With its well-drawn characters, sizzling chemistry, and captivating storyline, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre. Prepare to be swept away by the power of love and the depths of human connection in this compelling tale.

Wow! Is all I can say I loved this book. I had no clue how it would end up but ready for the 2nd book!

Dark Billionaire Romance. Book Trope= Dark romance, Dominating Alpha Male, Very Spicy, May contain triggers for some readers as book contains abuse from past relationships, alcohol abuse, death of parent and severe violent scenes.
Book Summary: Killian is a Dark, vengeful alpha male but has endearing qualities when it comes to Skye. The fact she falls in love with a man who stalks her may turn some readers off but personally, I thought it was written well and can understand why the 2 main characters are drawn together. This is a story of 2 kindred spirits that harbour darkness that many people don't experience in their lifetime. The dark scenes which may trigger some readers were written well and pulled at my emotions for the characters. Personally, I finished the book in one go as I just wanted to know what happened next for this couple. I would recommend for readers who like to read Dark romances and are fine with the triggers mentioned. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
"You sure are intent on labeling yourself a bad guy. Well, I've always preferred the villain anyway" Skye

Um, hello Killian Asher! This unhinged stoic jigsaw puzzle of a (fictional) man just stole me heart and sanity.

Let’s backup a bit…this is the first book I’ve read from Kimberly Quay and it will not be my last. In fact I cannot wait for the rest of this Tainted series because I love this world that Quay has built and the characters that fill it.

Skye Larsen has not had an easy life and has always run away from her real emotions. Her character arc and growth throughout this story and its only fitting that the man who encourages to stick up for herself and strengthen that backbone is the one who gets the brunt of it.

Killian Asher, as perviously mentioned is wonderfully morally grey. This man is obsessed (and I will not accept anything less in a future partner). He fights for this girl, and not just for her heart…he will fight anyone who hurt her (past, present, and future) while simultaneously helping her grow as a person.

I know conflict is going to happen and in a book it seems much more avoidable than in real life but this one got to me a bit as it started. I did not love the way everything went down and part of that is because I was forming my own theories in my head that ended up being much more dramatic than the reality. However, Quay’s writing shined in the last half. She used her skill to make everything come together like quilt woven to perfection. It gets a little messy in the middle but the final piece is a gorgeous work of art.

The chemistry. The passion. The groveling.

I really enjoyed this book. Couldn’t put it down and was invested in the characters and story from the off.

Excited for the next instalment

This story read very smoothly and was a fast-paced read. It offered a little bit of everything from darker themes to spice. Character development was good and I feel like there could be a spin-off story with other characters that were introduced. This is definitely a billionaire romance with a hint of darkish/stalker vibes.

4/5 stars
2/5 spice

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

I could not put this book down. Tainted Dreams follows Skye Larson as she works to be a successful yoga studio owner and instructor while trying to escape the horrors of an abusive ex, an addict mom, and an overprotective brother. Enter Killian, a brooding billionaire with a mysterious job. Set in his cold ways, Killian is overprotective of Skye and will do anything to keep her safe from her past, even if he must take care of it alone. This is your typical billionaire guy who only has eyes for her romance, and I ate it up. I loved the amount of romance in this book and how Skye and Killian's relationship grew. Would recommend it to anyone looking for an overprotective trope love story.

“I couldn’t tell her I loved her because what I felt for her was so much more than that”
“She was a part of me, a part of my tainted soul”
“We were a perfect match made in hell”

ARC RATING: 4.50/5.0
Thank you, BookGoSocial, NetGalley and of course, Kimberly Quay for letting me have an ARC of this book. It was one awesome hell of an emotional roller coaster!

Tainted Dreams by Kimberly Quay is now available in Kindle Unlimited.

SUMMARY:
Killian Asher, a grumpy, cold-hearted billionaire knows everything business except matters of the heart. So, when he met Skye Larsen, the insatiable pull was too much she became his obsession…
Skye Larsen, a perky, self-made yoga instructor and a tormented artist is anything but. Surviving a dark past that keeps haunting her, will she ever be safe under the dark, watchful eyes of her stalker?
Unable to resist the force that draws them to each other, will Killian and Skye survive the darkness of their past? Or will it taint their dreams of being together?

TROPES AND THEMES:
• Age Gap
• Anti-Hero
• Billionaire MMC
• Grumpy-Sunshine
• Stalker/likes being stalked
• Touch her, you’ll die

TWs
• Aside from those mentioned in the content warnings: murder instigation, abandonment, emotional repression/suppression.

BOOK REVIEW:
I was surprised I got hooked from the very beginning. The book reminds me of the Crossfire series but it only lasted until the 2nd chapter. What unfolded after, gave me an emotional-roller coaster ride.

ME: Girl, run. This ain’t good.
This book literally gave me contradicting feelings about stalking [may I dare say that it is thrillingly hot?]. Like, wait, stalking is bad right? But why the heck is this whole stalking thing sweet and hot? Also, a morally gray character who knows how to validate a person’s feelings? Ugh. Yes, please.
ALSO, ME: Ugh, may I have a tall glass of Killian Asher, puhlease?
But, seriously. I have always appreciated dark romance genres with a good storyline and this book really hit the right spots for me. Sure, smut is everywhere but the book isn’t just centered on smut – the story has real and strong character development, which I really, really liked. [thank you very much].
I also love that the story is being told on DUAL POVs so we really get to see how the story unfolds on both the male and female character’s perspective.
Other things that I liked about the book:
• The Playlist.
• Flirty, innocent banters. FMC isn’t your typical damsel. She’s one feisty, sweet and perky woman who loves to push back and annoy our MMC.
• Supportive female friends. Layla and Chelsea? Need I say more, go get the book and find out yourself 😊
• Feel-good red flags. Only specific to MMC’s manner of stalking (which, is hot), the level of possessiveness in terms of keeping FMC safe at all times, and only within the realm of fiction.
Lastly, the only thing I probably disliked (but have actually grown accustomed with) was FMC’s spidey-sense of some sort whenever MMC’s around.

P.S. I keep on wondering about Chelsea and Lucian, and oh, Layla and Wes, too. 😊

RECOMMENDED FOR:
• 18+ years of age due to dark themes, violence, explicit sex scenes, etc.
• Fans of Crossfire Series by Sylvia Day (or anything similar)
• People who are starting out on dark romance genre

Killian Asher has spent his adult life focused on destroying and taking over companies run by corrupt men like this father, never allowing himself to get close to anyone. But when he sees Skye, he can't understand this strange pull he has toward her. Knowing he'll never be good enough for her he tries to stay away, but his overwhelming need to protect her makes him intervene when her abusive ex comes around.
One glimpse of a handsome stranger was enough to have Skye painting his image. After a chance sighting of him he disappears again. But she can feel someone watching her and realizes it's him. She should be scared but somehow she's not... especially when he rescues her and everything changes. But when she finds out his secrets, can she accept him for what he really is?
Despite the red flags I was feeling at first, Killian is definitely the anti-hero but not as creepy as he first seemed. But definitely read the author's trigger warnings for yourself first. I loved Skye's character because despite the horrible experiences in her childhood, she still manages to be a happy personality. The pacing of the story was good with plenty of romance and spice.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely devoured this book, it had me hooked from the get go. Dark moody hottie - check, adorable. yet deep Skye was charming and multi-dimensional. Cannot recommend this enough! Perfect escapism.

This book was mesmerising. From the very first page until the very last, I was captivated by Skye and her kindness. Killian was, of course, a force to be reckoned with and his protective nature / duty to protect Skye was just divine. The way their romance progressed was beautiful. I loved this book.

3.5 ⭐️

I loved the darker themes of this book. The cohesiveness of the writing drew me and and I was hooked! The spice was a solid 4.5 🌶️ and I was not mad about it. I also felt like it was not gratuitous, but really drove the connection between the two MC’s. I am also a huge fan of the dual POV, which I feel the author did a fabulous job of differentiating between the tone of the characters.

The only thing I didn’t love was the ‘insta’ attraction bit. I feel like perhaps more development there would have increased my rating.

I did love how the (main) conflict of the story played out. We often see the FMC roll over and forgive seemingly large faults/issues that occur. I appreciated how it was a real issue, and you read and feel the conflict and hurt of the FMC and the MMC. I like that it took time, and that the MMC didn’t give up on them.

Great book! Excited to read the second in the series

Tainted dreams caught my attention from almost the very beginning it gave soul mate vibes as both main characters could always tell when the other was near and they just couldn't deny their attraction for the other. It gave bad boy, good girl vibes as he's some sort of billionaire mobster type man throwing money left and right, and causing bodily harm to others, but makes sure to protect Skye at all costs. This book wasn't too long, and I would definitely read book two if it was available yet! I gave it 4 out of 5 stars, because even though it was plenty spicy which I love a book to be, and even though the story didn't feel rushed, it did seem a little impractical at points or farfetched. But maybe that's because I'll never really know what a life of money can get you. The book is definitely worth the read.

The book does contain content warnings at the beginning, this is the first book I have read with those.

This billionaire romance is scorching hot. I couldn't put it down. Every page drew me more and more deeply rooted in this story. I need the next book soon!
I just reviewed Tainted Dreams by Kimberly Quay. #TaintedDreams #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read an advance copy of this book. I loved it and could not put it down! It is similar to other books I've loved, which I was pleasantly surprised about! Definitely check trigger warnings before reading though!

Thank you for this advanced copy of Tainted Dreams.
Fans of Ana Huang will love this story, it's got multiple twists and turns throughout. When I started the book and realised it was a stalker to lover book I was apprehensive but it's a good read, lots of steamy scenes and good plot.

Genuinely enjoyed this book so much.
I’m not usually a fast-paced relationship lover. But this book really fulfilled my hopes. I thought that the relationship between Killian and Skye was intense and passionate, they really were very similar in so many ways.

I loved the dark side to Skye, and the fact she thrived from Killians dark side. We all love guilty pleasures right?
This was very easy to read and I found myself thinking about the book when I wasn’t reading it, which is a huge positive in terms of my experience with reading.
The only thing I’d have hoped for more, was more exploration into Killians story. It was a huge factor into the type of person he’d became and I would have loved to know more about the tough relationship with his father,
A great read!

This novel combines elements of stalker romance, billionaire romance, fake dating, and obsessive heroes. Killian Asher, a ruthless businessman, changes his views on love when he meets Skye Larsen, a yoga studio owner and budding artist. Both characters have an obsessive love, though Killian's obsession is more pronounced. Initially, Skye's dismissive behavior seems unintelligent, but her growth becomes apparent later on. Killian keeps a secret from Skye, leading to a bad decision, but the secret is not as severe as expected. Their journey is filled with additional challenges, and Killian embraces his role as the villain. Trigger warnings include violence and talk of previous abuse. The stalking element in the novel may not be considered "dark" in comparison to other books.

I totally have a type of book and this is one of them. I knew I was going to love it before I started it and it didn’t disappoint at all. I love a tattooed, dangerous, possessive man.

Killian, I would let him st@lk me any day! When he stood up for Skye, I was all giggling because that was so hot! I didn’t even know more about him yet but definitely wanted to add him to my book boyfriend list. Skye having a past of her own as well made them perfect for each other.

I highlighted so many parts of this books. I could not put this book down and read in less than 24 hours. I can already guess the couples in the next books of the series and I can’t wait to read about their stories! You can count of me typing up a review blog for the whole series once it’s completed. I’m a sucker for a good series.

If you’re a lover of dark romance, 🌶️, possessive MMC you will love this book!

I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! We get introduced to Killian & Skye and quickly learn that these two come from different backgrounds but both have experienced the same struggle and loss. The steam and the chemistry between these two were strong right from the beginning. No matter how hard Killian tried to stay away, he absolutely could not. This book is a dark romance and definitely contains the vibe of touch her and you die. Be sure to check the trigger warnings. Tainted Dreams does not lack the spice and will not disappoint. I cannot wait to read the future installments of this series

First of all, I want to thank the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Tainted Dreams by Kimberly Quay is coming out on May 26, 2023.

This was a dark sexy romance with two main characters that are complete opposites. The spice in this book is really good! This was my first dark romance book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is book 1 of a series… so there is more to come! #TaintedDreams #NetGalley

***Thank you to Kimberly Quay, BooksGoSocial and Netgalley for the copy***
Release Date: 05.26.2023
"If anything happens to her, I will skin you alive. I'm not being dramatic, I will literally peel your skin from your body, inch by inch, until you beg me to kill you."
OH.EM.GEE. I DEVOURED this story. I love Skye and how she's essentially a bad-ass pheonix rising from all the shit that happened in her life - and Killian, goddamn, he can be my book boyfriend anytime. I was taking a hiatus from dark romances but this one reminded me why I love the genre so much. The writing was perfect. The plot was perfect. I even laughed at a few lines especially at "She'd mostly likely never meet Harry Styles, let alone fuck him, but I couldn't stop the irriation I felt". This is the perfect book if you aren't ready for Haunting Adeline but want something darker than Twisted Love. --- ALSO I can't wait for the next book because while reading "Tainted Dreams" I. JUST. KNEW. that Layla and Wes be fucking on the DL.

ARC Rating 4/5 ⭐️

"Well, I’ve always preferred the villain anyway.”

Ooooo this was soooo good! It has all the best tropes... billionaire MMC, Obsessed, Stalking and Touch her and die 🥵

This dark romance follows our MMC Killian, a brutal billionaire who stalks our FMC Skye, who is an artist and yoga studio owner.

I really enjoyed this story and the pacing of the story. And obvs loved Killian.

Im not always a fan of the third act drama/break-up but despite this one being drawn out, I did enjoyed this one, and Killian's grovelling!

Overall, this was great, and I'll definitely read the next book.

Thank you, NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Kimberly Quay, for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.

Really excited about this book. It was an Absolutely phenomenal read. High will recommend to others to pick up as soon as it is released.

Absolutely admired this book. The stalking was quite light, I'd definitely recommend for those who want to dive into the trope. The FMC and MMC were both relatable and I loved them so much. I can't wait to read book 2.

Skye Larsen lives in NYC and owns her own successful yoga studio. She tries to find sunshine in her life after years of darkness…. Her mothers an addict and on life support, and she recently left an abusive relationship. 2 years ago she saw a man that she can’t get out of her head…. So much that she even paints him.
Killin Asher is a NYC billionaire, who thrives on taking down businesses and selling them for scraps. He’s a stereotypical billionaire…. No time for love, but plenty of time for connectionless sex…. Until he sees her.
Skye consumes all of his thoughts…. To the point where Killian takes up casual stalking to keep an eye on her…. And she absolutely THRIVES on it!
A connection made out of darkness, they are determined to be together at all costs.

One of my biggest pet peeves of romances are third act breakups that take FOREVER. I agree with the reason they broke up, but it made me sad that they were apart for so long. Other than that, I really enjoyed the story and the smut was TOP NOTCH!!! I couldn’t get enough of it. Killian Asher is HOT!!
This ended up being a 4 star read for me due to the third act long term break up, but I fully intend on reading book 2!

Tainted Dreams: 4 stars ⭐️
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (full spice)

A spicy dark billionaire romance is always a win. There’s possessiveness, stalking, and instant obsessive love. So much emotional and intense drama from start to finish

Tainted Dreams is a great steamy read if you want something that doesn't make you think too hard. I really enjoyed this. The characters felt a little bit undeveloped, but this was a quick enjoyable read.

I liked Killian and Skye, polar opposites who feel a strong draw toward one another. There is some stalking, some secret-keeping, and some vindictive exes... and it comes together in a delicious package.

*I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ohhh wooow! My, my, the way this just became one of my favorite books!!! Ahhh I absolutely loved this, Skye and Killian are my new favorite couple ❤️‍🔥 I loved the writing, the style, the tropes!! Everything was absolute perfection, I made 117 highlight and I could have easily made more, the way everything is written had me swooning at my fictional new bf lol

From beginning, middle and end, everything went on so smoothly, I absolutely highly recommend Tainted Dreams. It had Billionaire romance, fake dating, forced proximity, touch her and you 💀, who did this to you? And the spice!! 🥵

Seriously, I cannot say enough to rave about this book, the ending!!! I was literally on a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way possible!

Very good written dark romance book that kept me wanting to read more of Skye and Killian.
Definitely going to read more of the author and I cannot wait for the second book to come out.

This pink cute cover is deceiving, this is an 18+ romance with very dark themes which is great for me. I think this is a great gateway for those who want to delve into dark romance and haven't done so before because there's a lot of tropes but it's very accessible. I enjoyed the character development of the hero in the story, he has been through a lot which was hard to read but his journey to the end of the novel was great.

I enjoyed the writing style, it was fast paced and I didn't find myself bored at all. I think the steamy scenes were written well and other than the occasional cheesy monologue, I had a wonderful time.

Kimberly Quay’s “Tainted Dreams: A Dark Billionaire Romance” captivates readers with its thrilling storyline, compelling characters, and scintillating romance.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is its well-crafted characters. Killian, the morally grey antihero, steals the show with his enigmatic personality and irresistible charm. He is a character who constantly keeps you guessing, and his complexity adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative. Skye, the female protagonist, is equally impressive. She possesses a vulnerability when it comes to her love for Killian, yet she remains strong-willed and confident, never hesitating to stand up for herself. Their chemistry is electrifying, and their interactions are filled with tension and fiery exchanges that make their romance utterly captivating.

The author skillfully weaves together the elements of romance, suspense, and sensuality. The love story between Killian and Skye is the beating heart of the novel, and it unfolds with a perfect blend of tenderness and passion. The author does an excellent job of creating an intense connection between the characters, making their relationship feel believable and compelling. The spice factor in their romance is tantalizingly well-balanced, adding an extra layer of heat to the story without overpowering the emotional depth.

Quay’s writing style is engaging and fluid, making it easy to get lost in the story. The pacing is well-maintained, with enough suspense and surprises to keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

In conclusion, “Tainted Dreams: A Dark Billionaire Romance” is an enthralling book that fans of the genre will thoroughly enjoy. With its well-drawn characters, intense romance, and gripping plot, Kimberly Quay has crafted a page-turner that keeps readers engaged until the very end. Prepare to be swept away by the love, passion, and intrigue that fill the pages of this captivating novel.

Wow. Killian and Skye’s had me giggling and kicking my feet. Just like Skye, I found the darkness of Killian alluring. I really loved how Killian found a way to make up for his past choices. The smut was amazing and left me a mess. Both Skye’s and Killian’s stories were sad and seeing how they ended up being connected was something I didn’t see coming.

Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 5/5

After reading the synopsis I was definitely intrigued and itching to read this book and I'm so glad I did.

Killian is the perfect morally grey character and I simply fell in love with him from the start. There's just something about him that pulls you in and makes you want to find out everything about him while also not being able to walk away no matter what - which is exactly what happens with Skye.

Skye... I do loved to see how our sunshine main character with a dark past grew. Watching her get more confident and finding the strength and the backbone she needed to stand up for herself thanks to kil was amazing. Tho I must admit near the end she was annoying me with her decision... She was being unfair and hypocritical but it's good she came to her senses afterwards.

The last 2 chapters and the epilogue were EVERYTHING!
I really did enjoy this book so much.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of Tainted Dreams. this was such a cute romance, a lot like others to be honest but there is only so much variation these days.

A dark and raunchy romance, perfect for fans of Ana Heung.

I am new to a lot of the themes in this book but did find it a gripping read.

Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to review this book this

Tainted Dreams did not disappoint. From the very first page, I was loath to put down my Kindle and just wanted to devour the story in one sitting. I love a tattooed, dangerous, possessive man. Skye and Killian are my new favorite couple!!!
I loved this so much! I can't wait to read more!

so good im screaming! super spicy and also has a really good plot. I love when the plot makes you want to keep reading and not just the spice.

I really enjoyed this book!
I loved the relationship between Killian and Skye! And I really love billionaire romance books so this was right up my street!

A gripping and intense love story that explores the depths of desire and obsession. Killian Asher, a self-made billionaire with a cold heart, is a man who never gives in to temptation until he becomes captivated by Skye Larsen. Skye, tormented by her past, is drawn to Killian in a way that defies reason.

The book delves into the complex dynamics of their relationship, as Killian's obsession with Skye intensifies, and Skye is consumed by her desire for him. The narrative is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with tension, passion, and a sense of longing that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

It's a thrilling and provocative read that will leave you questioning the boundaries of desire and the lengths people will go to in pursuit of love.

Well written, fast paced storyline. It kept me gripped and i read this in a day.
The storyline borders on slightly stalkerish, intense, and fast paced.
It was my first book to read by the author and i have already got her other books on order.

Tainted Dreams - Kimberly Quay

This book was darker than I was expecting, but a good change from the norm. The story line was a little unrealistic, but still enjoyable. There is plenty of spice if that is for you. Having read other reviews on this book many people seem to dislike the pace but personally I really enjoyed the fast pace of this book, and found it good escapism. Thanks so much Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for this e-arc in return for my honest thoughts and opinions.

It's a story about stalking but not really in the cruel way.
It is sweet and a little bit funny.

I liked the way they acted.

Have fun reading!

What drew me in to read this book was the tropes! All some of my favorites (guilty as charged) and I was not disappointed.
This book was perfectly paced, he characters were well developed. I enjoyed the way Skye was both shown as sweet and fiery, as kind and confident. Her chemistry with our billionaire Killian was amazin (and hot). The relationship arc was interesting and as a huge fan of groveling in books I was very happy with the detailed grovelling Killian went through;
I wasn't a big fan of the side characters who will obviously be the next main couple in the next book. I enjoyed this book.

This book was so good, I feel like initially I really like it but it wasa nothing to write home about and then I read it a SECOND TIME because I just could stop thinking about Killian and Skye. Seriously this book stuck with me for way longer than it should have but there was just something about it that was honestly addicting.

I received this book for free for an honest unbiased review from Netgalley.

I wish more books were this well written. Characters were witty and the setting fantastic.

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This is a dark romance for sure. I would check the TWs to make sure it is something that you want to read. Killian is centered on work and what he wants out of life none of that includes relationships or love. Skye is trying to stay positive and run her yoga studio, but she is a bit broken from her past. Each of them drawn to each other in their own way. He has to stalk her to get close to her since she has taken over his mind and life without even meaning too. She is drawn to him as well.

"Tainted Dreams" by Kimberly Quay is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending dark romance with the allure of a billionaire theme. The book's pacing is brisk, drawing you into a world of obsession and desire. Some parts, however, felt a bit rushed, leaving me wanting more depth in the character development. The storyline is intriguing but occasionally veers towards the unrealistic. It's a perfect pick for readers who love their romance novels intense and on the darker side.

this is the first time I've read a book like this. I was really nervous and didn't really think id like it, but I did. I love a good morally grey mmc, but I've never read it with the stalker touch. I loved the characters and the spice was so good. thank you for letting me read this book.

Loved this book so much I can’t wait to read more from this author! I will be recommending this to all my friends.

Books like this are my weakness. The stalker MMC, the unaware FMC, and the battle of wits are my favorite. With “though her and you die” vibes, Tainted Love was worth every minute of reading.

I picked this one up because I fancied something a bit different in the form of a dark romance, and I’m glad I did! It was good parts dark and spicy and romantic and kept me turning the pages for sure. I do love me a main character with questionable morals!
I liked the FMC she was strong willed and smart and really made Killian work for anything throughout the book.
This was a quick and easy read for me and a solid four stars!