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Tainted Love
For anyone in a relationship, the words 'we need to talk' can only mean one thing. In the last twenty-two years, the McKenzies have been through it, survived it, learned by it, and grown stronger from it, because life didn't stop for breath when they needed it. Amongst the tears and the tragedies, the hopes and happiness, they've built something amazing: a happy family, a luxury lifestyle and a booming empire. Don't they deserve to have it all?
But for the perfect wife, those four sinister words mean something entirely different. They're a summons into a private world where what happens behind closed doors stays behind closed doors.
Faith has no doubt in Calvin's undying love for her. It's what kept her sane in the darkest hours. If only she could figure out what it is she does wrong... because it’s rapidly becoming apparent their tainted love is running out of time.
But for the perfect wife, those four sinister words mean something entirely different. They're a summons into a private world where what happens behind closed doors stays behind closed doors.
Faith has no doubt in Calvin's undying love for her. It's what kept her sane in the darkest hours. If only she could figure out what it is she does wrong... because it’s rapidly becoming apparent their tainted love is running out of time.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2012
180 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Erin Cawood
11 books55 followersErin Cawood is a commercial women's fiction author, with a taste for dramatic storylines and a passion for strong lead characters she really gets behind, cheering on right to the very end of their story. Her focus? Taking romance into the darker, edgier side of contemporary fiction.
Erin lives in Leeds, UK, with her partner of thirteen years. She spends her days somewhere between the fiction world and the student world. Fascinated by web design and digial communication, Erin is studing a BA(hons) in New Media at the University of Leeds. Before returning to full time education two years ago, Erin worked at a theme park, a convenience store, a public house/restaurant both in the kitchen and waitressing, and as an insurance agent in a contact centre.
Erin lives in Leeds, UK, with her partner of thirteen years. She spends her days somewhere between the fiction world and the student world. Fascinated by web design and digial communication, Erin is studing a BA(hons) in New Media at the University of Leeds. Before returning to full time education two years ago, Erin worked at a theme park, a convenience store, a public house/restaurant both in the kitchen and waitressing, and as an insurance agent in a contact centre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 9, 2016
This book and review may contain triggers to anyone sensitive to the subject of "Domestic Abuse."
Tainted Love is the first book in a trilogy written by Erin Cawood. The book is epic in nature spanning over a period of 25 years and primarily deals with the abuse of one woman and her struggle to overcome it.
The story is told in the form of a letter/diary that Faith writes to her adult brother over the years and is very well written. Once I got used to this type of writing I thoroughly enjoyed it but it wasn't until I got to the end of the book that I was able to understand why the author chose to write the book this way.
Faith and Cal are a beautiful happy family with everything going for them. They have beautiful children along with a happy and expensive home, lots of friends, a successful business....
But something is wrong in her marriage and Faith can't seem to figure out what it is, so she begins to blame herself.
"There are defining moments in every marriage. These moments will either make or break it. You won't see them coming and they'll happen in the blink of an eye. But once they're out there, you can't take them back. You can apologize until your hair turns white, but it’s not going to change what you did or said, or maybe didn't say when you should have."
As time moves on Faith becomes fearful of everything she does and says to Cal. She is always on her guard and terrified of her husband.
"Realizing you're a victim and accepting it are two very different things. I lived in the denial stage for quite some time. Even when faced with it head on by my son, I denied all knowledge of what we both knew was true."
One night events take a turn for the worse and Faith finally realizes after all the years that Cal will never change. Cal commits the ultimate sin in front of his own children.
"Big hands grabbed at my wrist, forced me to turn and tumble back to the floor below. I landed on my knees. He hit and he punched and he kicked and he stomped. He didn't stop."
Faith finally runs with her two youngest children; from city to city, always changing her identify and those of her children. She moves from job to job, making new friends and leaving again when she discovers Cal knows where she is. How long can Faith keep doing this before her time runs out?
I didn't expect this book to end the way it did. It was shocking, horrible and unbelievable and I had tears in my eyes and a sick feeling that these things really do happen to good people!!!
"Til death do us part, Fay, remember that?"
Tainted Love is the first book in a trilogy written by Erin Cawood. The book is epic in nature spanning over a period of 25 years and primarily deals with the abuse of one woman and her struggle to overcome it.
The story is told in the form of a letter/diary that Faith writes to her adult brother over the years and is very well written. Once I got used to this type of writing I thoroughly enjoyed it but it wasn't until I got to the end of the book that I was able to understand why the author chose to write the book this way.
Faith and Cal are a beautiful happy family with everything going for them. They have beautiful children along with a happy and expensive home, lots of friends, a successful business....
But something is wrong in her marriage and Faith can't seem to figure out what it is, so she begins to blame herself.
"There are defining moments in every marriage. These moments will either make or break it. You won't see them coming and they'll happen in the blink of an eye. But once they're out there, you can't take them back. You can apologize until your hair turns white, but it’s not going to change what you did or said, or maybe didn't say when you should have."
As time moves on Faith becomes fearful of everything she does and says to Cal. She is always on her guard and terrified of her husband.
"Realizing you're a victim and accepting it are two very different things. I lived in the denial stage for quite some time. Even when faced with it head on by my son, I denied all knowledge of what we both knew was true."
One night events take a turn for the worse and Faith finally realizes after all the years that Cal will never change. Cal commits the ultimate sin in front of his own children.
"Big hands grabbed at my wrist, forced me to turn and tumble back to the floor below. I landed on my knees. He hit and he punched and he kicked and he stomped. He didn't stop."
Faith finally runs with her two youngest children; from city to city, always changing her identify and those of her children. She moves from job to job, making new friends and leaving again when she discovers Cal knows where she is. How long can Faith keep doing this before her time runs out?
I didn't expect this book to end the way it did. It was shocking, horrible and unbelievable and I had tears in my eyes and a sick feeling that these things really do happen to good people!!!
"Til death do us part, Fay, remember that?"
September 1, 2016
< ***** 5 "But He Loves Me" Stars *****
"What happened behind closed doors, stays behind closed doors."
This is book 1 of 3 in the Behind Closed Doors Series and Erin Cawood hit it out of the park with this emotional account of Faith's life as a bused wife and mother.
The writing of this emotional story was so unique and I loved every word.
Faith thought she had the perfect life and marriage with her husband Calvin. They had 4 beautiful childrens and money to live what seem to be the perfect life. Until little things starting cracking their perfection. She comes face to face wih the horrible truth that after 19 years with the man she gave everything to, she was going to die at the hands of the man she loves.
Getting away was the only thing she knew she had to do to save herself and her two youngest daughters. But she can only run for so long before her darkness overtakes her light.
This book will wreck your heart so many times. This ending.......SPEECHLESS!
"What happened behind closed doors, stays behind closed doors."
This is book 1 of 3 in the Behind Closed Doors Series and Erin Cawood hit it out of the park with this emotional account of Faith's life as a bused wife and mother.
The writing of this emotional story was so unique and I loved every word.
Faith thought she had the perfect life and marriage with her husband Calvin. They had 4 beautiful childrens and money to live what seem to be the perfect life. Until little things starting cracking their perfection. She comes face to face wih the horrible truth that after 19 years with the man she gave everything to, she was going to die at the hands of the man she loves.
Getting away was the only thing she knew she had to do to save herself and her two youngest daughters. But she can only run for so long before her darkness overtakes her light.
This book will wreck your heart so many times. This ending.......SPEECHLESS!
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June 3, 2013
Erin Cawood's book tore me apart, and I couldn't put it down. To tackle such serious issues with incredibly beautiful writing is very difficult, and Cawood nailed it. Gut-wrenching, tragic and important, Tainted Love will stay with me for a very long time.
May 29, 2020
Heartbreakingly Realistic!
This was a brilliantly written story. The feelings the characters evoked were wonderful, but also brutal. I highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't have triggers, and loves to get inside the human psyche.
This was a brilliantly written story. The feelings the characters evoked were wonderful, but also brutal. I highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't have triggers, and loves to get inside the human psyche.
April 4, 2013
When Faith starts dating Calvin, he is a widower recovering from the recent death of his wife and infant son. Things escalate when Faith gets pregnant which prompts them to get married. Over the years, Calvin displays bouts of rage which progress from yelling and demeaning Faith to beating her up and raping her. He is always instantly sorry and showers her with gifts ... she feels he loves her and one of these days he'll confront his demons and stop the abuse. She starts thinking that maybe she's to blame for his outbursts and makes excuses for her injuries.
Though this is a rather intense story, I enjoyed it. I liked the writing style and think the author did a good job of portraying a woman who is being abused by her husband, wants to protect her children and not let them know what a monster their father is, and is hopeful that Cal will change. It eventually comes to a point where she can't take it anymore.
The format of the book is interesting ... it's made up of letters and emails Faith writes to her younger brother, Darryl. This is how she tells her story.
I can't imagine what it's like to be physically abused. If I was in that situation, I would leave right away ... buh bye! I felt like reaching into the book and pulling Faith out of that situation and giving her a shake.
I'd recommend this book. As a head's up, the subject matter and language is mature at times.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/04...
Though this is a rather intense story, I enjoyed it. I liked the writing style and think the author did a good job of portraying a woman who is being abused by her husband, wants to protect her children and not let them know what a monster their father is, and is hopeful that Cal will change. It eventually comes to a point where she can't take it anymore.
The format of the book is interesting ... it's made up of letters and emails Faith writes to her younger brother, Darryl. This is how she tells her story.
I can't imagine what it's like to be physically abused. If I was in that situation, I would leave right away ... buh bye! I felt like reaching into the book and pulling Faith out of that situation and giving her a shake.
I'd recommend this book. As a head's up, the subject matter and language is mature at times.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/04...
March 28, 2013
This book is emotional. It will take you on a roller coaster ride, and you will be angry, empathetic, sad, scared, confused, and so many other things. This is the story involving domestic abuse. I have a few friends, one a very close childhood friend, who have been through this. Sometimes you know, sometimes you don’t. So very often, things are not what they seem, even to people in an inner circle of friends. Abuse comes in many forms from physical to psychological, all of which cause a great amount of pain and trauma. You do not need to be an abuse victim to be able to relate to this book, however, I will say that most everyone knows someone who is a victim of abuse, whether they realize it or not. Reading a book such as this, even though it’s fictional, will hopefully allow you to have increased compassion and empathy, should you discover abuse in the relationship of someone you know. Because it is fiction, it allows you a touch of disconnect, so you aren’t so overwhelmed knowing this story actually happened to someone. It should give you perspective.
I received a complementary PDF of this book to facilitate my review, regardless, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced.
I received a complementary PDF of this book to facilitate my review, regardless, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced.
June 10, 2015
Some minor spoilers...
I know that abusers can brainwash their victims to the point where outsiders can't comprehend why they stay in that relationship, but still - aargh, I couldn't help but feel SO frustrated with Faith! Even early on in their relationship, she seemed completely oblivious to how badly Cal was treating her. And three words: birth control, girl! She was a student nurse, so she wasn't exactly ignorant, and she could have dodged that bullet. Sigh. But of course, then we wouldn't have this story. It also felt that she didn't have a personality or interests beyond her family. I tried, but I really could not muster much sympathy for Faith - I know that sounds horrible given the subject of this book.
That said, it didn't have any trouble keeping me interested until the end (and oh, the ending). It does accurately portray spousal abuse, and unfortunately this story is probably similar to some real women's lives.
I know that abusers can brainwash their victims to the point where outsiders can't comprehend why they stay in that relationship, but still - aargh, I couldn't help but feel SO frustrated with Faith! Even early on in their relationship, she seemed completely oblivious to how badly Cal was treating her. And three words: birth control, girl! She was a student nurse, so she wasn't exactly ignorant, and she could have dodged that bullet. Sigh. But of course, then we wouldn't have this story. It also felt that she didn't have a personality or interests beyond her family. I tried, but I really could not muster much sympathy for Faith - I know that sounds horrible given the subject of this book.
That said, it didn't have any trouble keeping me interested until the end (and oh, the ending). It does accurately portray spousal abuse, and unfortunately this story is probably similar to some real women's lives.
April 7, 2013
I had to take several breaks while reading Tainted Love by Erin Cawood because it was so bone-chilling honest that it had me quite emotional. Tainted Love goes into the world of spousal abuse and everything that it encompasses from the happy beginning, to the occasional harsh words that eventually turn physical.
Erin Cawood writes in such a manner that it felt as if Faith was sitting right across the table from me telling her story. I wanted to yell at Faith and tell her to get it together and leave but on the other hand I understood her reasoning on why she stayed. Overall, this book boils down to how much does Faith love herself and when does she decide that enough is enough. This was a great first book by Erin Cawood and I look forward to reading more from her!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Tainted Love in exchange for an honest review.
Erin Cawood writes in such a manner that it felt as if Faith was sitting right across the table from me telling her story. I wanted to yell at Faith and tell her to get it together and leave but on the other hand I understood her reasoning on why she stayed. Overall, this book boils down to how much does Faith love herself and when does she decide that enough is enough. This was a great first book by Erin Cawood and I look forward to reading more from her!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Tainted Love in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2013
I didn't know I could review my own book!
Faith's story is one of courage, strength and love. It is not the typical romance. Nor is it a story about constant pain and suffering. This is Faith's life and as her family grows she experiences joy in the highs and sadness the lows can bring. Tainted Love is Faith's journey to finding the courage and the strength to survive, escape, and heal from abuse on the most intimate level.
Faith's story is one of courage, strength and love. It is not the typical romance. Nor is it a story about constant pain and suffering. This is Faith's life and as her family grows she experiences joy in the highs and sadness the lows can bring. Tainted Love is Faith's journey to finding the courage and the strength to survive, escape, and heal from abuse on the most intimate level.
November 22, 2015
Every young person and older too should take the time to read this book. The book is a very powerful piece of writing, it takes you on a rollercoaster ride of a husband physically, mentally and verbally abusing his wife. It makes you think so much about all these women that actually live like this, like Faith, and just pretend that everything is fine. Its not fine, it has made me think ALOT about where I'm at in my marriage and the little fights that we have.
October 18, 2016
I started off not quite 'getting' this book. It was written very flippantly, and gave a lot of back story in not a lot of time. I continued though as it was a short and relatively easy read. As the story went on I began to care about some of the characters and became invested in their lives. It was quite a scary subject, and I thought the author did well to show the conflict and confusion domestic abuse can cause. A good read, not sure if I will read any more in the series though.
January 2, 2013
Not my usual genre but well written, an easy read and a free download so what's not to love?
Faith is trapped in an abusive marriage and this book tells her story in the form of letters written to her brother.
The characters are well developed making you as the reader really care about their outcomes.
I enjoyed it and read it in a day even with a day of work in the middle!
Faith is trapped in an abusive marriage and this book tells her story in the form of letters written to her brother.
The characters are well developed making you as the reader really care about their outcomes.
I enjoyed it and read it in a day even with a day of work in the middle!
August 2, 2015
I have never read anything like this before, and although the blurb hinted at what to expect, I really didn’t expect it. But I was pulled right into it from the start, I couldn’t put my e-reader down, I had to know where the story ended up - when eventually the letters would stop. And they did, for the most heart breaking reason.
January 14, 2014
An Incredible Heart-Wrenching Powerful Debut!
February 26, 2015
the story was very eloquently written. I felt every emotion the writer wanted the reader to feel. It was a sad story, but one that happens all too often.
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September 28, 2015Good reading.
All young women should read this book. It has a message that women aren't punching bags and should be respected.
All young women should read this book. It has a message that women aren't punching bags and should be respected.
March 13, 2017
4.5 stars.
Being honest, I had no idea what direction this book would take me in, in the beginning I was so confused as to what was happening but I found myself completely hooked. After the first few chapters I had some idea as to what was happening, but honestly, I was completely hooked and I seriously fell in love with Faith. This is my first book of Erin Cawood’s that I’ve read, once you’re fully hooked and into the story you can see the message that she is trying to put out there. When you fall in love with someone you think that you’ve found the one and that nothing can ruin it, you think that life will be perfect and that you’ll have the perfect happily forever after, or the one you love would never hurt you….. Honestly if life worked like that then I’m pretty sure that everything we see and do in the world would be different, we wouldn’t be living in constant fear. However, Erin Cawood tells the story of Faith, who was brought up loved, cared for and knowing what she wanted to achieve. But when she meets the one guy who she knew and thought she didn’t have a chance with, her life changes from that moment on. She knew that by falling head over heels in love with him wouldn’t be good for her, yet she didn’t listen to her gut instincts. From then on her life seems to be perfect, but that’s because her and Cal are in the honeymoon stages, but that all changes soon. Faith knows that Cal has demons from his past and that just over eighteen months ago he lost his wife and unborn child and for a while Faith just let things happen as to her she would either blame herself or would put it down to him needing to cope and get over what had happened. For many years this kept happening but deep down Faith knew that this was wrong. It’s not until Faith chose to write letters to her brother that he had any clue as to what had been going on and understood why she made the choices that she did.
Throughout this book I found it to pull at my emotions, but when an author can do that it shows that the author has done an amazing job with their work. It’s not often when a book will leave me so confused it’s unreal, but this one has. There are so many questions that this book leaves unanswered. I seriously recommend you giving this book a try, I know that everyone has different opinions and that they won’t all love or enjoy the same things as me or others. However what you have to remember unless you try it for yourself then you have no idea if you’ll actually enjoy the book/s.
Being honest, I had no idea what direction this book would take me in, in the beginning I was so confused as to what was happening but I found myself completely hooked. After the first few chapters I had some idea as to what was happening, but honestly, I was completely hooked and I seriously fell in love with Faith. This is my first book of Erin Cawood’s that I’ve read, once you’re fully hooked and into the story you can see the message that she is trying to put out there. When you fall in love with someone you think that you’ve found the one and that nothing can ruin it, you think that life will be perfect and that you’ll have the perfect happily forever after, or the one you love would never hurt you….. Honestly if life worked like that then I’m pretty sure that everything we see and do in the world would be different, we wouldn’t be living in constant fear. However, Erin Cawood tells the story of Faith, who was brought up loved, cared for and knowing what she wanted to achieve. But when she meets the one guy who she knew and thought she didn’t have a chance with, her life changes from that moment on. She knew that by falling head over heels in love with him wouldn’t be good for her, yet she didn’t listen to her gut instincts. From then on her life seems to be perfect, but that’s because her and Cal are in the honeymoon stages, but that all changes soon. Faith knows that Cal has demons from his past and that just over eighteen months ago he lost his wife and unborn child and for a while Faith just let things happen as to her she would either blame herself or would put it down to him needing to cope and get over what had happened. For many years this kept happening but deep down Faith knew that this was wrong. It’s not until Faith chose to write letters to her brother that he had any clue as to what had been going on and understood why she made the choices that she did.
Throughout this book I found it to pull at my emotions, but when an author can do that it shows that the author has done an amazing job with their work. It’s not often when a book will leave me so confused it’s unreal, but this one has. There are so many questions that this book leaves unanswered. I seriously recommend you giving this book a try, I know that everyone has different opinions and that they won’t all love or enjoy the same things as me or others. However what you have to remember unless you try it for yourself then you have no idea if you’ll actually enjoy the book/s.
February 4, 2018
Faith Hawthorne is a nurse, at the age of 20, specializing in mental health, she meets and falls in love with Dr. Calvin Mackenzie. His wife pregnant wife died in a fall on the stairs, and four days later, his son died in a Special Care Unit. Faith thought he would never marry again, he surprised her by proposing to her.
During their engagement, she got pregnant, and the got married quickly, she gave up her career to be a full time wife and mother. At first things got off to a rough start, but eventually became great, Calvin was happy, he was a good husband and father. Until one day during an argument he slapped her, they were both surprised, and he apologized, she accepted his apology, and thought they would just move forward fom there, but his violent tendencies became worse over the years.
Things spiraled down quickly after a while, to a point where she had to leave him, she feared for her own life, as well as the lives of her two youngest daughters. He not physically abused her, but mentally and emotionally abused her also.
The subject matter of this book may be disturbing for some to read, but stay with the story, there are many stories in this book. It's very well written, not too descriptive, be descriptive enough so you know what is going on. I love Ms. Cawood's style of writing, she doesn't have to be be descriptive her narrating of a love scene, or those that we know are violent, yet you feel the characters emotions.
I cried with Faith, I wished a horrible death on Calvin, her husband, only a great author can elicit such emotions in a reader. Ms. Cawood, now has new fan in me.
Love shouldn't hurt, in any way, shape or form, no one should be abusive or take abuse from someone they love, and trust. Life is roller coaster ride, you ride the high's and low's together, reality is that there will be arguments, and disagreements, but one should never be frightened to voice their opinion.
I strongly urge anyone looking for a great book to read, to give this book a chance, you won't be disappointed. It's worth every word written, it most definitely needs to be read!
During their engagement, she got pregnant, and the got married quickly, she gave up her career to be a full time wife and mother. At first things got off to a rough start, but eventually became great, Calvin was happy, he was a good husband and father. Until one day during an argument he slapped her, they were both surprised, and he apologized, she accepted his apology, and thought they would just move forward fom there, but his violent tendencies became worse over the years.
Things spiraled down quickly after a while, to a point where she had to leave him, she feared for her own life, as well as the lives of her two youngest daughters. He not physically abused her, but mentally and emotionally abused her also.
The subject matter of this book may be disturbing for some to read, but stay with the story, there are many stories in this book. It's very well written, not too descriptive, be descriptive enough so you know what is going on. I love Ms. Cawood's style of writing, she doesn't have to be be descriptive her narrating of a love scene, or those that we know are violent, yet you feel the characters emotions.
I cried with Faith, I wished a horrible death on Calvin, her husband, only a great author can elicit such emotions in a reader. Ms. Cawood, now has new fan in me.
Love shouldn't hurt, in any way, shape or form, no one should be abusive or take abuse from someone they love, and trust. Life is roller coaster ride, you ride the high's and low's together, reality is that there will be arguments, and disagreements, but one should never be frightened to voice their opinion.
I strongly urge anyone looking for a great book to read, to give this book a chance, you won't be disappointed. It's worth every word written, it most definitely needs to be read!
June 14, 2019
I'll give it a 2.5 stars cz it was a well written, emotional read that had me crying but I really couldn't sympathise with h. She stayed waay too long in an abusive relationship, ignored all the warning signs, shut herself off from her family and friends, had no interests. She literally had no hobbies, no personality?! She came across as a doormat at times, that too for a well educated woman who has a good financial support to be so dense as her, i couldn't take it. So I couldnt come to like her character. She had no backbone so I dont know what the author says about her being a strong character. She should've left after her miscarriage, if not before. That was a line crossed way beyond acceptance. And what was with her and not handling any of the accounts, her inheritance? Excuse me?If you're going to be so dumb, then ppl will take advantage of you.
I was finally beginning to like her when she met John, though I was frustrated and yet understanding of how slowly her relationship with the good man progressed. What I really didn't like was the ending. After crying for 4.5 hrs I expected to have a HEA, but alas. The author should have forewarned that there was no HEA. Im sorry but I read stories for a good time. To enjoy. And I know authors can write what they like, end it how they want, but atleast warn us of no HEA before hand so that ill know not to read it. I know not all realities are happy but isnt that why we read, so be hopeful, to know somewhere there are ppl getting happiness after and despite an ordeal. The author denied me that feel good feeling and happiness I read a book for.
Im actually wary to read anything else of this author. For one, the blurb was a lil misleading to me. I thought the story was about cheating, not domestic violence. My bad I didnt read any reviews before, but I avoid those to be able to enjoy the book better. So I dont know when I pick the next thing from this author, it might be on A and I'll mistake it for being on Z. So no. Not interested in that kind of heartache.
Had it a HEA I would've given it a 4 stars.
I was finally beginning to like her when she met John, though I was frustrated and yet understanding of how slowly her relationship with the good man progressed. What I really didn't like was the ending. After crying for 4.5 hrs I expected to have a HEA, but alas. The author should have forewarned that there was no HEA. Im sorry but I read stories for a good time. To enjoy. And I know authors can write what they like, end it how they want, but atleast warn us of no HEA before hand so that ill know not to read it. I know not all realities are happy but isnt that why we read, so be hopeful, to know somewhere there are ppl getting happiness after and despite an ordeal. The author denied me that feel good feeling and happiness I read a book for.
Im actually wary to read anything else of this author. For one, the blurb was a lil misleading to me. I thought the story was about cheating, not domestic violence. My bad I didnt read any reviews before, but I avoid those to be able to enjoy the book better. So I dont know when I pick the next thing from this author, it might be on A and I'll mistake it for being on Z. So no. Not interested in that kind of heartache.
Had it a HEA I would've given it a 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2019
Not for the faint of heart
Tainted Love is terrifying, even more so because every so often it allows Faith, and the reader, a glimmer of hope. I imagine for some people it holds a lot of triggers, so reader beware. Faith is young and in love when she starts a family with Cal. He's a psychiatrist, she's an aspiring nurse. She soon puts her career aside to raise their family, and he goes to work with her father, also a psychiatrist. Faith believes her dreams have come true, until she notices cracks in their foundation. But Cal loves me, became her mantra. It must be me, was the familiar refrain. Events escalate, and soon the question is how much longer can Faith doubt what is happening.
This story is terrifying in its possibilities. The author tackles the question of abuse head on, making Faith a very real character who follows the all too often seen pattern of abuse victims. I could not put this book down. I would have given it 5 stars, had the author addressed a few of the other events that were mentioned but never explored. There were some obvious implications that were simply dropped, and they were relevant to the story so I think they shouldn't have been left alone. In all, though, Tainted Love delivers. Sex scenes are not too graphic but the violence is, so again readers with triggers should consider that.
Tainted Love is terrifying, even more so because every so often it allows Faith, and the reader, a glimmer of hope. I imagine for some people it holds a lot of triggers, so reader beware. Faith is young and in love when she starts a family with Cal. He's a psychiatrist, she's an aspiring nurse. She soon puts her career aside to raise their family, and he goes to work with her father, also a psychiatrist. Faith believes her dreams have come true, until she notices cracks in their foundation. But Cal loves me, became her mantra. It must be me, was the familiar refrain. Events escalate, and soon the question is how much longer can Faith doubt what is happening.
This story is terrifying in its possibilities. The author tackles the question of abuse head on, making Faith a very real character who follows the all too often seen pattern of abuse victims. I could not put this book down. I would have given it 5 stars, had the author addressed a few of the other events that were mentioned but never explored. There were some obvious implications that were simply dropped, and they were relevant to the story so I think they shouldn't have been left alone. In all, though, Tainted Love delivers. Sex scenes are not too graphic but the violence is, so again readers with triggers should consider that.
July 11, 2025
This is the first book in the Behind Closed Doors series by Erin Cawood. Faith McKenzie has a perfect life, a loving husband, children, and a successful family empire. However, behind closed doors, her marriage is anything but ideal. Faith's husband, Calvin, is a psychiatrist who initially swept her off her feet, but over time, his behavior becomes increasingly controlling and abusive. Faith blames herself, thinking she can fix what’s broken. But the abuse doesn't stop—it gets worse. After 22 years, she sees the danger for what it is and makes the hardest decision of her life: grab the kids and run. Moving from town to town as her vengeful ex tries to pursue her, she’s grateful for the family lawyer’s help concealing her latest location. Only after accepting that divorce is her only escape does Faith prepare to meet the monster again—this time, on her terms. Can Faith bring her family back to a life worth living. The novel delves into themes of manipulation, psychological trauma, and survival, offering a gripping and emotional read. I really enjoyed this amazing psychological thriller novel.
January 23, 2018
Wow...
I'm lying in bed, watching the curser blink... There is so much to say, but I don't know where to start. This book has left me stunned. I feel like I knew Faith. The way this is written, like personal letters, has in no way stolen the story's power. It made it personal, emotional, believable. There where moments when I was wanting to write her back and tell her she was being delusional, but then there were times where she almost convinced me that it would get better.
This might not be the review you were hoping for but I do not want to give anything away. It is a full story without cliffhangers. It is an emotional, psychological ride. It is worth it.
I'm lying in bed, watching the curser blink... There is so much to say, but I don't know where to start. This book has left me stunned. I feel like I knew Faith. The way this is written, like personal letters, has in no way stolen the story's power. It made it personal, emotional, believable. There where moments when I was wanting to write her back and tell her she was being delusional, but then there were times where she almost convinced me that it would get better.
This might not be the review you were hoping for but I do not want to give anything away. It is a full story without cliffhangers. It is an emotional, psychological ride. It is worth it.
October 22, 2020
What a good book could not put it down. To think that someone could put up with what she did but it is all the progression of abuse. Denial is the number one thing everyone in this situation does, thinking it will get better it is my fault. The end was not what I wanted but expected. Highly recommend.
July 1, 2018
This book is to do with a possessive husband that not only is extremely dangerous with him being abusive too his wife, more violent each time culminating on him tracking her whereabouts to rape.
I found this book to be full of mind games which intreged me right to the end.
I found this book to be full of mind games which intreged me right to the end.
November 16, 2018
Heartbreaking!
This book makes me so sad because this does take place every single day! I hope someone reads this and it encourages someone to leave a bad situation they may be in. Just know your not alone!
This book makes me so sad because this does take place every single day! I hope someone reads this and it encourages someone to leave a bad situation they may be in. Just know your not alone!
January 25, 2019
Heartbreaking
This book was very gripping and so sad at the same time. Definitely for strong stomachs. Amazing read... To understand what a women could go through and really feel what shes going through in writing is phenomenal. I was in tears at the end.
This book was very gripping and so sad at the same time. Definitely for strong stomachs. Amazing read... To understand what a women could go through and really feel what shes going through in writing is phenomenal. I was in tears at the end.
March 14, 2019
Couldn't put it down.
I really enjoyed reading Tainted love. It is a page turner right to the unexpected conclusion. A bonus is that it's, although part of a series, a complete story, & doesn't leave you mid air at the end. I'll be buying the other books in the series.
I really enjoyed reading Tainted love. It is a page turner right to the unexpected conclusion. A bonus is that it's, although part of a series, a complete story, & doesn't leave you mid air at the end. I'll be buying the other books in the series.
June 16, 2019
Very well written and heart breaking story. The story is told through a series of letters to her brother, which I had trouble getting into at first. Then it became enjoyable to follow along her life via her letters. Until the very last letter.......absolutely not what I was expecting.
November 7, 2021
WOW this book !
This book took me into Faiths life . It seemed so real like this story was true ,it all really happened. The characters were so real so well written and so believable .
This book took me into Faiths life . It seemed so real like this story was true ,it all really happened. The characters were so real so well written and so believable .
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