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Sweetest Taboo #2
Tainted Love: A Novel
Isabel thought her life was on track – she was doing well in college, moving quickly toward her future, and deciding who she wanted to be. Best of all, she’d reunited with Tom, the swim coach she had a secret affair with in high school. But it doesn’t take long for her history – and his – to start catching up with them.
When Isabel goes back to her college life, after spending a blissful summer reuniting with Tom, things take a dangerous turn. Isabel gets swept up in a relationship with a dark, mysterious professor, with whom she begins a covert love affair that could ruin everything she has rebuilt with Tom. Worse, she starts to hear rumors from friends back home - rumors about a teacher having affairs with students. And Tom seems to be at the center of the controversy. Will Isabel’s instincts about what Tom’s been up to during their time apart drive her farther away, or will she forgo her new romance to run to Tom’s defense?
Tainted Love is Book Two of the Sweetest Taboo Series, a controversial and edgy contemporary YA romance series appropriate for readers sixteen and over. Sweetest Taboo, Book One of the series, was released on October 1, 2012. Book Three, Time After Time, is scheduled to be released on December 3, 2013.
When Isabel goes back to her college life, after spending a blissful summer reuniting with Tom, things take a dangerous turn. Isabel gets swept up in a relationship with a dark, mysterious professor, with whom she begins a covert love affair that could ruin everything she has rebuilt with Tom. Worse, she starts to hear rumors from friends back home - rumors about a teacher having affairs with students. And Tom seems to be at the center of the controversy. Will Isabel’s instincts about what Tom’s been up to during their time apart drive her farther away, or will she forgo her new romance to run to Tom’s defense?
Tainted Love is Book Two of the Sweetest Taboo Series, a controversial and edgy contemporary YA romance series appropriate for readers sixteen and over. Sweetest Taboo, Book One of the series, was released on October 1, 2012. Book Three, Time After Time, is scheduled to be released on December 3, 2013.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2013
457 people want to read
About the author
Eva Márquez
19 books107 followersBorn in Buenos Aires, Argentina, daughter of European immigrants, Eva Márquez has spent most of her life outside of her home country. At the age of five, Eva accompanied her parents to the United States, where the family settled permanently. After graduating from university, she went on to complete graduate studies in International Relations in Spain. Eva received her Master of International Studies degree from the University of Sydney and went on to work in the global health field in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia. Eva currently resides in Southern Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 14, 2013
*POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT*
When I first read Sweetest Taboo, I felt author Eva Marquez writing on the subject of an older man in a relationship with an underage teen was a bad idea. But to my amazement she handled it in such a way, the story wasn't dirty, erotic or pornographic. The subject bottom line is a minefield of emotions but just because it's wrong on a moral level doesn't mean that it isn't happening. I accepted her story and read the book for exactly what it was and in that first book, she won me over as a reader.
Once again she's done it with book two. "Tainted Love" picks up with Isabel now in college and her relationship with Tom is no longer illegal. She's a woman now, free to date anyone she likes. However we were left wondering from book one, was Tom just an older man who was tired of his married life and two kids at home? Was he a man on the prowl for an unsuspecting teen who was too naive to see through his lust? Or was he simply someone who allowed himself to develop a mutual crush on a student who felt the same towards him? Marquez answers these questions clearly and concisely by also writing part of the story from his perspective. Soon I found myself wondering if he wasn't the naive one and the victim and she the one seducing him? Tainted Love deals with the subject of what do you do when you finally get what you ask for? When nothing is in your way to stop you from seeing your forbidden lover, was it everything you ever dreamed it was? Or is it now no longer appealing because the mystery is gone, the danger is gone. The book is so well written and the emotions I felt as a reader were quite real, at times I was angry and furious with Isabel and other times couldn't trust anything Tom was telling her.
I dare not go on because I just don't want to spoil any of this story for future readers. Suffice it to say, I loved it! Can't wait for the third installment and I give this book without a doubt, 5 Stars! Congratulations Eva!
When I first read Sweetest Taboo, I felt author Eva Marquez writing on the subject of an older man in a relationship with an underage teen was a bad idea. But to my amazement she handled it in such a way, the story wasn't dirty, erotic or pornographic. The subject bottom line is a minefield of emotions but just because it's wrong on a moral level doesn't mean that it isn't happening. I accepted her story and read the book for exactly what it was and in that first book, she won me over as a reader.
Once again she's done it with book two. "Tainted Love" picks up with Isabel now in college and her relationship with Tom is no longer illegal. She's a woman now, free to date anyone she likes. However we were left wondering from book one, was Tom just an older man who was tired of his married life and two kids at home? Was he a man on the prowl for an unsuspecting teen who was too naive to see through his lust? Or was he simply someone who allowed himself to develop a mutual crush on a student who felt the same towards him? Marquez answers these questions clearly and concisely by also writing part of the story from his perspective. Soon I found myself wondering if he wasn't the naive one and the victim and she the one seducing him? Tainted Love deals with the subject of what do you do when you finally get what you ask for? When nothing is in your way to stop you from seeing your forbidden lover, was it everything you ever dreamed it was? Or is it now no longer appealing because the mystery is gone, the danger is gone. The book is so well written and the emotions I felt as a reader were quite real, at times I was angry and furious with Isabel and other times couldn't trust anything Tom was telling her.
I dare not go on because I just don't want to spoil any of this story for future readers. Suffice it to say, I loved it! Can't wait for the third installment and I give this book without a doubt, 5 Stars! Congratulations Eva!
February 27, 2013
*shakes head* everything is a mess! why do you have to make it hard Eva?!
Like in Sweetest Taboo, EMárquez continues to provoke and push boundaries. Despite the frustrating situation Isabel and Tom find themselves in and how they are far from making things better for them I still love it because everything that transpired in TAINTED LOVE is a natural progression of what they started in Sweetest Taboo. Of course there will be a lot of insecurity and major trust issues, they are adulterers for crhissakes! Of course Isabel would want to try new stuff and meet new people, she's in college! Of course Tom would be desperate and would appear helpless and hopeless at times, he gave up and risked everything for Isabel who's not being the most reliable person in his life so far. It's depressing and a little stupid really, but they went and restarted this relationship with full disclosure.
So yes, I still have personal issues about the story per se but I LOVE that EMárquez is making me look at this kind of relationship in a different way. I how she's pointing out that though some things might not have the most convenient and natural start it doesn't always mean it's malicious. I love how she's prying my blinders off and aggressively asking me to be open minded and look at this taboo in a more objective manner. And this is why I LOVE TAINTED LOVE and why despite the series polarizing me I still want to read how this story is going to end and hopefully Isabel and Tom will manage to win me in the end.
April 19, 2013
*Spoilers!*
After Sweetest taboo I didn't really trust Tom after "the thing" with Christine, the blond who Isabel saw in Tom's truck. However, he did leave his wife and now says that he wants to be with her (Isabel), and did it it for her so that they can create a life together.
Anyways, Isabel and Tom resume their relationship going to a bed & breakfast to spend some time together just the two of them, and rekindle their their love.
"Although my mind had many, many questions, my heart was steadfast and I held on to the belief that fate, destiny, kismet, or whatever you want to call it, was in charge of our future. In spite of the doubts in my mind, my heart was convinced that Tom and I were meant to be, that he loved me and only me, and that he had remained faithful throughout simply because he couldn’t imagine being with
anyone else. Was I being far too naïve, or was I being too hard on him? Was my mind really allowing my heart to take over so easily?"
While on the B&B though Tom takes these phonecalls in the bathroom, very suspicious. Isabel also takes a call which we don't hear about because the POV changes to Tom. So yeah, this second book is a bit different as we not only read from Isabel's POV, but also gets Tom's POV. He even tells us about the first time he saw Isabel and how it made him feel, how he shook her to the core. How he felt from the moment he saw her, like he already knew her and how no matter what he did he could not get her out of his mind.
"I didn’t know her yet,
but I was certain that life would bring us together. There was a connection
there, I was sure of it."
Another thing Tom also tell us about in more detail is how him and his wife got together. How they worked together and after due to a office christmas party where he had to bring a date asked her and that was that. After a couple of months they moved in together and that eventually led to them getting married. Later on when he get his teaching job and Danielle, his wife, continue their advertising business with a new man named Matthew. Tom suspects them to be having an affair, and at some point they go away together to a conference and only a month or so after Danielle tells him she is pregnant, even though they hadn't slept together for months - so Tom's suspsicions about her and Matthew are only intesified, but he doesn't do anything about it, just turns the other cheek and goes with it. They both ignore the obvious.
So basically both his kids aren't even his. They're both Matthew's. Big shock there! Tom continued to stick with his wife and kids though, doing what he felt was right.
It is so sweet to hear Tom speak of all this and say how despite them not being his real children he still loved them like they were.
"As a teacher, and as an adult, I’d always done what was right. I
was even taking care of my wife and her daughters, though I knew they
weren’t actually mine, simply because it was the right thing to do. Looking at
a student the way I was looking at Isabel was definitely not the right thing to
do. But the simple fact was that I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her. I tried, boy
did I try, but it was futile."
It's weird.. I started the book being very suspicious about Tom, but then it shifts to his POV and it's all 'isn't he sweet' hearing him talk about his first sighting of Isabel, how he got closer to her etc. Also more and more I understand what it is between them.
It's almost like the roles change from Isabel being suspicious about his phonecalls to the other way around when she takes a phonecall and won't tell him about it.
I found myself breathing a sigh of relief when Tom finally confirms that there was nothing going on with him and Christine, that he's her godfather, even and would not even think about starting anything with her.
Another person's POV we also get it Isabel's brother, Tony. This happens after he spots Isabel and Tom in a town. It gives a clear point of how he sees the relationship between the two. Tony believes that Tom is using Isabel and she's a victim. Tony gives himself a mission, to break Tom and Isabel up.
Once you get to read the story from both POV you see that Isabel and Tom have a lot of doubt regarding their relationship, neither never fully trusting the other. I don't blame them for this because of the relationship they have, and after all they've been through it must be hard.
So, Isabel....Professor Wellings?! Who is he Isabel... what the...
- apparently it's Isabel's philosophy professor. She developed a crush on him the first day of school.
I hate how first she sleept with her professor and then Tom finally gets a hold of her and tells he can't do it anymore and then she just lies to him! Tells him that it's college taking all her time so she hasn't been able to return his calls... Got me very mad at Isabel.
It's so awful to read how the people make up stories about the teacher and that it went so far that one of the teachers actually shot himself..
I can't believe how Isabel can say that her heart still belongs to Tom meanwhile still continue to have a "relationhip" and sex with her professor.
She keeps making all these accusations against Tom, how she doesn't trust him and how she might believe him guilty of all the rumors going on and again she's not looking at herself! I mean she's with her professor, ignoring Tom's calls and I just... ugh it makes me so mad how she can say those things about him without looking at herself and what she's doing!
She feels like he's making excuses when it's what she is doing everytime she talks or writes to him..
So back home, Tom is once again accused of sleeping with students, three cheerleaders this time and it's looking bad. Tony even writes Isabel telling her to stay away during christmas because of everything going on.
I feel so bad for Tom, his house is getting egged, his picture on the front page of the newspaper saying he's guilty in all these things.. And he has to go through it all by himself.
I'm glad to see that later on Isabel is actually not doubting Tom as much as before. Before she would jump to the wrong conclusions and say stuff like now he did this and this, but later she's thinking more about how other people might be using him instead.
Isabel actually believes that he is not involved with the cheerleaders. She doesn't just jump to conclusions and suspect him of being guilty but believe and trust in him.
She even wants to rescue him and goes home to see him. When she gets there though, someone is going into his house and she hurries to take off instead of letting him explain, or rather if she stayed she would have seen who it was, bit of course not. Where would the fun be in that ;)
Overall, Isabel just really annoyed me in this book.. The things she does, says and thinks..she's such a hyprocrite all how can Tom do this and that when he says he loves me.. take a look at yourself Isabel! When it started I was like this is nice, she's a bit more mature now so she should make the same mistakes as when she was younger, but she does. She comits to a releationship with Tom and yet when she goes back to College she avoids him and starts sleeping with her professor. I prefered the book when it was in Tom's POV. I thought it good to see into his mind and see what he struggles with and how it all really is for him.
So, Isabel being annoying didn't ruin the book for me. I just hope that in the next one this mess can be sorted out.
After Sweetest taboo I didn't really trust Tom after "the thing" with Christine, the blond who Isabel saw in Tom's truck. However, he did leave his wife and now says that he wants to be with her (Isabel), and did it it for her so that they can create a life together.
Anyways, Isabel and Tom resume their relationship going to a bed & breakfast to spend some time together just the two of them, and rekindle their their love.
"Although my mind had many, many questions, my heart was steadfast and I held on to the belief that fate, destiny, kismet, or whatever you want to call it, was in charge of our future. In spite of the doubts in my mind, my heart was convinced that Tom and I were meant to be, that he loved me and only me, and that he had remained faithful throughout simply because he couldn’t imagine being with
anyone else. Was I being far too naïve, or was I being too hard on him? Was my mind really allowing my heart to take over so easily?"
While on the B&B though Tom takes these phonecalls in the bathroom, very suspicious. Isabel also takes a call which we don't hear about because the POV changes to Tom. So yeah, this second book is a bit different as we not only read from Isabel's POV, but also gets Tom's POV. He even tells us about the first time he saw Isabel and how it made him feel, how he shook her to the core. How he felt from the moment he saw her, like he already knew her and how no matter what he did he could not get her out of his mind.
"I didn’t know her yet,
but I was certain that life would bring us together. There was a connection
there, I was sure of it."
Another thing Tom also tell us about in more detail is how him and his wife got together. How they worked together and after due to a office christmas party where he had to bring a date asked her and that was that. After a couple of months they moved in together and that eventually led to them getting married. Later on when he get his teaching job and Danielle, his wife, continue their advertising business with a new man named Matthew. Tom suspects them to be having an affair, and at some point they go away together to a conference and only a month or so after Danielle tells him she is pregnant, even though they hadn't slept together for months - so Tom's suspsicions about her and Matthew are only intesified, but he doesn't do anything about it, just turns the other cheek and goes with it. They both ignore the obvious.
So basically both his kids aren't even his. They're both Matthew's. Big shock there! Tom continued to stick with his wife and kids though, doing what he felt was right.
It is so sweet to hear Tom speak of all this and say how despite them not being his real children he still loved them like they were.
"As a teacher, and as an adult, I’d always done what was right. I
was even taking care of my wife and her daughters, though I knew they
weren’t actually mine, simply because it was the right thing to do. Looking at
a student the way I was looking at Isabel was definitely not the right thing to
do. But the simple fact was that I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her. I tried, boy
did I try, but it was futile."
It's weird.. I started the book being very suspicious about Tom, but then it shifts to his POV and it's all 'isn't he sweet' hearing him talk about his first sighting of Isabel, how he got closer to her etc. Also more and more I understand what it is between them.
It's almost like the roles change from Isabel being suspicious about his phonecalls to the other way around when she takes a phonecall and won't tell him about it.
I found myself breathing a sigh of relief when Tom finally confirms that there was nothing going on with him and Christine, that he's her godfather, even and would not even think about starting anything with her.
Another person's POV we also get it Isabel's brother, Tony. This happens after he spots Isabel and Tom in a town. It gives a clear point of how he sees the relationship between the two. Tony believes that Tom is using Isabel and she's a victim. Tony gives himself a mission, to break Tom and Isabel up.
Once you get to read the story from both POV you see that Isabel and Tom have a lot of doubt regarding their relationship, neither never fully trusting the other. I don't blame them for this because of the relationship they have, and after all they've been through it must be hard.
So, Isabel....Professor Wellings?! Who is he Isabel... what the...
- apparently it's Isabel's philosophy professor. She developed a crush on him the first day of school.
I hate how first she sleept with her professor and then Tom finally gets a hold of her and tells he can't do it anymore and then she just lies to him! Tells him that it's college taking all her time so she hasn't been able to return his calls... Got me very mad at Isabel.
It's so awful to read how the people make up stories about the teacher and that it went so far that one of the teachers actually shot himself..
I can't believe how Isabel can say that her heart still belongs to Tom meanwhile still continue to have a "relationhip" and sex with her professor.
She keeps making all these accusations against Tom, how she doesn't trust him and how she might believe him guilty of all the rumors going on and again she's not looking at herself! I mean she's with her professor, ignoring Tom's calls and I just... ugh it makes me so mad how she can say those things about him without looking at herself and what she's doing!
She feels like he's making excuses when it's what she is doing everytime she talks or writes to him..
So back home, Tom is once again accused of sleeping with students, three cheerleaders this time and it's looking bad. Tony even writes Isabel telling her to stay away during christmas because of everything going on.
I feel so bad for Tom, his house is getting egged, his picture on the front page of the newspaper saying he's guilty in all these things.. And he has to go through it all by himself.
I'm glad to see that later on Isabel is actually not doubting Tom as much as before. Before she would jump to the wrong conclusions and say stuff like now he did this and this, but later she's thinking more about how other people might be using him instead.
Isabel actually believes that he is not involved with the cheerleaders. She doesn't just jump to conclusions and suspect him of being guilty but believe and trust in him.
She even wants to rescue him and goes home to see him. When she gets there though, someone is going into his house and she hurries to take off instead of letting him explain, or rather if she stayed she would have seen who it was, bit of course not. Where would the fun be in that ;)
Overall, Isabel just really annoyed me in this book.. The things she does, says and thinks..she's such a hyprocrite all how can Tom do this and that when he says he loves me.. take a look at yourself Isabel! When it started I was like this is nice, she's a bit more mature now so she should make the same mistakes as when she was younger, but she does. She comits to a releationship with Tom and yet when she goes back to College she avoids him and starts sleeping with her professor. I prefered the book when it was in Tom's POV. I thought it good to see into his mind and see what he struggles with and how it all really is for him.
So, Isabel being annoying didn't ruin the book for me. I just hope that in the next one this mess can be sorted out.
March 12, 2013
Tainted Love is the follow up story of Tom and Isabel. This on was such a heart wrenching book for me to read because Isabel graduated high school and moved on to college. She was now a young adult and no longer had to hide her feelings for Tom. But she was going away to college and was not sure if there relationship would survive and Tom let me just tell you he infuriated me at times because he knew things were wrong from the beginning but he could not help himself. He allowed himself to fall in love with Isabel and have a relationship. Well now four years later Isabel is leaving him and starting a new life in college and he is not happy.
Isabel is excited to be moving on and getting to start college. She meets some awesome people there and she starts to live her life. She is finally living a care free life with no lies or rumors and she does not have to hide who she is or who she is with. But old habits die hard as they say and Isabel misses Tom really badly. She is not used to not seeing him everyday. Whether it was at swim practice or in school she saw him and at college she is surrounded by other people. This adjustment is taking it's toll on her so when break comes and she gets to go home she is excited. She is dying to see Tom.
When she gets home she and Tom start to see each other again and things just get complicated from there because Isabel starts to hear rumors that tom is seeing other younger girls just like he did with her. At first she is not sure what to believe but as things unfold Isabel will learn the truth about Tom and his ways and what she finds out and goes through will rock Isabel to the core. Has Tom been lying all this time to her? Has Tom always been like this? Is Tom with someone else? What about his family? His children?
Once again I was torn by this book because it has so many things going on but the fact of the matter is Tom is still a teacher and he has crossed some serious lines here. Has he always been like this or was it a one time thing? Isabel will have to face some harsh and cold realities and she herself will start a relationship with a professor at her college. What will happen to Tom and Isabel in the end.........
Isabel is excited to be moving on and getting to start college. She meets some awesome people there and she starts to live her life. She is finally living a care free life with no lies or rumors and she does not have to hide who she is or who she is with. But old habits die hard as they say and Isabel misses Tom really badly. She is not used to not seeing him everyday. Whether it was at swim practice or in school she saw him and at college she is surrounded by other people. This adjustment is taking it's toll on her so when break comes and she gets to go home she is excited. She is dying to see Tom.
When she gets home she and Tom start to see each other again and things just get complicated from there because Isabel starts to hear rumors that tom is seeing other younger girls just like he did with her. At first she is not sure what to believe but as things unfold Isabel will learn the truth about Tom and his ways and what she finds out and goes through will rock Isabel to the core. Has Tom been lying all this time to her? Has Tom always been like this? Is Tom with someone else? What about his family? His children?
Once again I was torn by this book because it has so many things going on but the fact of the matter is Tom is still a teacher and he has crossed some serious lines here. Has he always been like this or was it a one time thing? Isabel will have to face some harsh and cold realities and she herself will start a relationship with a professor at her college. What will happen to Tom and Isabel in the end.........
Read
March 12, 2013The prefaces of these books really set the tone,
"Have you ever really been in love? I am not talking about infatuation, co dependency, or being with someone for such a long time that you feel used to him or her, so used to them that you wouldn't know how to live without that person. I am talking about the type of love that you know, that you feel in every fiber of your being, a feeling of comfort of being at home in the arms of that person, knowing that even ify ou never saw him or her again, you would continue to love them unconditionally with all your heart for the rest of your life?"
Gosh, this book did not go the way I expected it to go. Review to come when I can think again.
"Have you ever really been in love? I am not talking about infatuation, co dependency, or being with someone for such a long time that you feel used to him or her, so used to them that you wouldn't know how to live without that person. I am talking about the type of love that you know, that you feel in every fiber of your being, a feeling of comfort of being at home in the arms of that person, knowing that even ify ou never saw him or her again, you would continue to love them unconditionally with all your heart for the rest of your life?"
Gosh, this book did not go the way I expected it to go. Review to come when I can think again.
March 3, 2013
The preface by Tom Stevens, our main character some love to hate, sets the pace for what's to come. All of the things that are related to an extramarital affair, distrust, dishonesty and unabiding love ransack this novel with full force. Readers will swell with emotions that have never surfaced before until experiencing Tainted Love. Marquez is a genius when it comes to capturing the exact essence of this sweet, little thing called love.
March 2, 2013
WTH Isabel?! Why so you have to be like that to poor Tom?
March 7, 2013
To be honest I was a bit disappointed with this one. I found myself so incredibly frustrated with Isabel the whole time. Don't get me wrong, I understand that she is only just an adult and Should be making mistakes. At the same time however Isabel seems very immature and seems to be moving backwards emotionally. I love that we get some insight into Tom's character however the book really lost some sort of connection between the two main characters by keeping them apart. And it just made me not root for them as much because they both seem flat.
One positive thing is I really like enjoyed Isabel's new friend at college. I felt like she was a great influence and the only character that really seemed to be understanding what was actually going on throughout the novel. In fact I found myself rooting for this particular character hoping that she would finally convince Isabel of her immature and naïve ways.
I understand the necessity to have main characters with multiple sides to themselves including you know positives and negatives. However when the author projects the main character Isabel in such a negative light it really makes it difficult to root for her as a character and hope that the story ends in a beneficial way for her. This being I really am rooting for Tom especially given the ending. He deserves much better. In fact, I just don't see this story ending very well for either main character. Isabel, is a young beautiful and intelligent woman she deserves the chance to explore what she wants and then decide to become adult whenever that may be. But having her act and behave in such immature ways makes it very difficult to like her character. At the same time I really enjoyed the fact that we find out a lot more about Tom's character and especially the reasons he acts the way he does. It is especially pertinent when we found out about his relationship with his wife and all the things that he enjoyed to become a father and be the better man. In result this just makes me worry for him even more and realize that maybe these two are not right together. In fact it really makes me angry to think that he might even forgive her in the story. At one point he mentions that it was two strikes against Her for two sort of infractions or or infidelity moments and of course as we know with Marcus in the second book she just adds to that number.
I think that's what is most frustrating about this book is the lack of communication between the two main characters. On one hand I understand the female protagonist hesitancy to discuss her feelings with her boyfriend however his job as an older more mature male should be to discuss his feelings with her. This just doesn't seem realistic to me. Through all the strife and Heartache if they really cared they would communicate.
For now the ending frustrates me.
One positive thing is I really like enjoyed Isabel's new friend at college. I felt like she was a great influence and the only character that really seemed to be understanding what was actually going on throughout the novel. In fact I found myself rooting for this particular character hoping that she would finally convince Isabel of her immature and naïve ways.
I understand the necessity to have main characters with multiple sides to themselves including you know positives and negatives. However when the author projects the main character Isabel in such a negative light it really makes it difficult to root for her as a character and hope that the story ends in a beneficial way for her. This being I really am rooting for Tom especially given the ending. He deserves much better. In fact, I just don't see this story ending very well for either main character. Isabel, is a young beautiful and intelligent woman she deserves the chance to explore what she wants and then decide to become adult whenever that may be. But having her act and behave in such immature ways makes it very difficult to like her character. At the same time I really enjoyed the fact that we find out a lot more about Tom's character and especially the reasons he acts the way he does. It is especially pertinent when we found out about his relationship with his wife and all the things that he enjoyed to become a father and be the better man. In result this just makes me worry for him even more and realize that maybe these two are not right together. In fact it really makes me angry to think that he might even forgive her in the story. At one point he mentions that it was two strikes against Her for two sort of infractions or or infidelity moments and of course as we know with Marcus in the second book she just adds to that number.
I think that's what is most frustrating about this book is the lack of communication between the two main characters. On one hand I understand the female protagonist hesitancy to discuss her feelings with her boyfriend however his job as an older more mature male should be to discuss his feelings with her. This just doesn't seem realistic to me. Through all the strife and Heartache if they really cared they would communicate.
For now the ending frustrates me.
May 5, 2013
I am a huge of this series so much that when I got the ebook of Tainted Love in my email inbox I just uploaded it to my nook sat down and read the whole thing! I need to know what was going to happen between Tom and Isabel now that they were out of the student / teacher relationship. Now remember this book is for an older YA audience especially Tainted Love since it is more of a New Adult book. If you have problems with the idea of them having been a teacher/student couple I would say don't read it but remember it is fiction. Forbidden romance is really exciting whether it be Vampire/Human or Student/Teacher. I felt like all of my opinions about Tom from the last book reversed completely. As a character I did not trust him and I felt that he was leading Isabel on. In Tainted Love you learn that is not the case at all.
Tainted Love shows an evolution of Isabel who as a college student is no longer the naive gullible little girl she once was. I think that before in Sweetest Taboo I felt Tom had some problems but I think Isabel has more. She enjoys being in these horrible relationships. Tom has his faults but he loves her so much and she goes and sleeps with another guy who is married that could care less about her. I felt so bad for Tom, he had the whole stalker who loved you so much wonderful creepiness going on. If you find this weird just read The Great Gatsby and understand what I mean!
Through Isabel's escapades with her college professor that she runs off with because she thinks she got rejected by Tom I was like this is completely crazy compared to the last book.
I am stilling holding out for Tom and Isabel so I am waiting patiently for them to finally be together. Now I feel horrible for despising Tom so much in the other book because having his point of view told really made it so much better to understand. I was heart broken when he thinks Isabel didn't love him. Roles were truly reversed in this book Tom became the love sick teen and Isabel was the character who we could really figure out.
I just hope Eva let's Tom and Isabel have a happily ever after!
Tainted Love shows an evolution of Isabel who as a college student is no longer the naive gullible little girl she once was. I think that before in Sweetest Taboo I felt Tom had some problems but I think Isabel has more. She enjoys being in these horrible relationships. Tom has his faults but he loves her so much and she goes and sleeps with another guy who is married that could care less about her. I felt so bad for Tom, he had the whole stalker who loved you so much wonderful creepiness going on. If you find this weird just read The Great Gatsby and understand what I mean!
Through Isabel's escapades with her college professor that she runs off with because she thinks she got rejected by Tom I was like this is completely crazy compared to the last book.
I am stilling holding out for Tom and Isabel so I am waiting patiently for them to finally be together. Now I feel horrible for despising Tom so much in the other book because having his point of view told really made it so much better to understand. I was heart broken when he thinks Isabel didn't love him. Roles were truly reversed in this book Tom became the love sick teen and Isabel was the character who we could really figure out.
I just hope Eva let's Tom and Isabel have a happily ever after!
March 15, 2013
3.5 Stars!
I really am glad that I gave the second book in this trilogy a try because I really did like it so much better than the first one. Maybe because Isabel was older in this one and Tom no longer her teacher (or married) so the whole underage and sleeping with an authority figure thing wasn't there looming over the whole story and just screaming out, “this is so wrong!”. I don't know but either way I did like this story a whole lot better than the first one. Yeah the age difference was still there and a little hard for me to understand still but at least Isabel was an adult now with all that comes with being one and I felt she could handle making more grown up decisions for herself.
I think the fact that we got Tom's POV in this one really helped as well. I found myself actually liking him since I could really get a feel for his thoughts and feelings for Isabel.
I think the title of this one is very fitting, tainted love. Their love was definitely tainted. Full of suspicions, doubts, trust issues and insecurities, everything a good solid relationship shouldn't have. For two people who are suppose to be adults, they rarely acted like ones. So much could have be cleared up and resolved if only they communicated with one another and trusted one another.
I couldn't help by shake my head as I saw Isabel doing the same things she did in high school all over again. I mean, what was wrong with her? While I might have liked Tom better after reading this one, I certainly didn't like Isabel better.
This story frustrated me a little. I guess I was hoping for more, from both of them. I wanted to read about a love that knew no bounds and could conquer all, even nasty made up rumors and jealous feelings and honestly, I am not quite sure I got that or will get that.
It will be interesting to see how the last book all plays out.
I really am glad that I gave the second book in this trilogy a try because I really did like it so much better than the first one. Maybe because Isabel was older in this one and Tom no longer her teacher (or married) so the whole underage and sleeping with an authority figure thing wasn't there looming over the whole story and just screaming out, “this is so wrong!”. I don't know but either way I did like this story a whole lot better than the first one. Yeah the age difference was still there and a little hard for me to understand still but at least Isabel was an adult now with all that comes with being one and I felt she could handle making more grown up decisions for herself.
I think the fact that we got Tom's POV in this one really helped as well. I found myself actually liking him since I could really get a feel for his thoughts and feelings for Isabel.
I think the title of this one is very fitting, tainted love. Their love was definitely tainted. Full of suspicions, doubts, trust issues and insecurities, everything a good solid relationship shouldn't have. For two people who are suppose to be adults, they rarely acted like ones. So much could have be cleared up and resolved if only they communicated with one another and trusted one another.
I couldn't help by shake my head as I saw Isabel doing the same things she did in high school all over again. I mean, what was wrong with her? While I might have liked Tom better after reading this one, I certainly didn't like Isabel better.
This story frustrated me a little. I guess I was hoping for more, from both of them. I wanted to read about a love that knew no bounds and could conquer all, even nasty made up rumors and jealous feelings and honestly, I am not quite sure I got that or will get that.
It will be interesting to see how the last book all plays out.
March 15, 2013
And Eva Márquez does it again. I'm not even sure how but her writing is so captivating that I couldn't put Tainted Love down for a mere second. The plot continues almost were we left it and the whole situation has changed.
I don't want to spoiled things for anybody so I'm going to try to keep things simple. Now Isabel is in her freshman year and is trying to leave her past behind, not because she is ashamed of it but because she wonders if they handled things well.
Isabel is a woman now, almost 20 years old, in a new city and eager to find her place in the big world. The only problem is that she misses Tom.
And Tom misses her a lot. How do I know? Well, Eva Márquez wrote from his PV too and I loved it. Now all those questions I had while reading Sweetest Taboo were answered and I understand Tom so much better now. The way he describes Isabel and his feelings for her were so sincere, so full of love that it's impossible to think he doesn't really love her. On the other side, does Isabel really loves him now?
In this book so many things have changed that right now I'm kind of angry with Isabel and the lack of communication between the two of them. New rumours about Tom and younger girls reach Isabel when she finally goes home and the truth behind those will rock her world. At the same time another relationship with a teacher, now at her college, begins for Isabel and things become very confusing.
I want their love to surpass everything but is real life like that? Will they get a happy ending? I can't wait to read the third book to have all the final answers I so much need.
I don't want to spoiled things for anybody so I'm going to try to keep things simple. Now Isabel is in her freshman year and is trying to leave her past behind, not because she is ashamed of it but because she wonders if they handled things well.
Isabel is a woman now, almost 20 years old, in a new city and eager to find her place in the big world. The only problem is that she misses Tom.
And Tom misses her a lot. How do I know? Well, Eva Márquez wrote from his PV too and I loved it. Now all those questions I had while reading Sweetest Taboo were answered and I understand Tom so much better now. The way he describes Isabel and his feelings for her were so sincere, so full of love that it's impossible to think he doesn't really love her. On the other side, does Isabel really loves him now?
In this book so many things have changed that right now I'm kind of angry with Isabel and the lack of communication between the two of them. New rumours about Tom and younger girls reach Isabel when she finally goes home and the truth behind those will rock her world. At the same time another relationship with a teacher, now at her college, begins for Isabel and things become very confusing.
I want their love to surpass everything but is real life like that? Will they get a happy ending? I can't wait to read the third book to have all the final answers I so much need.
April 5, 2013
(Rating: 3.5) In Tainted Love, Isabel has left Hillside, CA, and Royal Oaks High behind to attend college in Washington, D.C. She has also left behind Tom, the swim coach she had an illicit affair with as a minor. Now an adult, Isabel still doesn't act wisely, she acts with her heart, and begins another affair with an older man, a professor. Through this relationship, she realizes how much she misses and loves Tom. What should she do?
Told from the perspectives of Isabel, her brother, and Tom, we understand what each continues to go through, especially Tom since Isabel left. There isn't much communication between them which kept them distant in my mind. What the author does well is present us with interesting characters and troublesome situations. This time Isabel can no longer be viewed as the innocent young girl. I've never really felt she was that naive from the get-go. In Sweetest Taboo (our review) she saw something she wanted and went after it. She is older now and still continues her immature behavior. Tom becomes the interesting character as we gain perspective into his actions and motives. I may not connect with or feel compassion for these characters, but I do understand them.
Saying more would give too much away. Tainted Love continues the saga of Isabel and Tom. With the passage of time, are their past feelings a sign of something everlasting and exactly who is the predator and who is the prey?
(http://www.readergirlsblog.com/2013/0...)
Told from the perspectives of Isabel, her brother, and Tom, we understand what each continues to go through, especially Tom since Isabel left. There isn't much communication between them which kept them distant in my mind. What the author does well is present us with interesting characters and troublesome situations. This time Isabel can no longer be viewed as the innocent young girl. I've never really felt she was that naive from the get-go. In Sweetest Taboo (our review) she saw something she wanted and went after it. She is older now and still continues her immature behavior. Tom becomes the interesting character as we gain perspective into his actions and motives. I may not connect with or feel compassion for these characters, but I do understand them.
Saying more would give too much away. Tainted Love continues the saga of Isabel and Tom. With the passage of time, are their past feelings a sign of something everlasting and exactly who is the predator and who is the prey?
(http://www.readergirlsblog.com/2013/0...)
June 19, 2013
TAINTED LOVE by Eva Marquez is a complex,and compelling Women’s fiction/Contemporary/YA Romance. #2 of the
“Sweetest Taboo” series,while can be read as a stand alone, I would suggest reading “The Sweetest Taboo” first. “Tainted Love” is the follow up to Tom Stevens and Isabella Cruiz’s story. Four years later,Isabella is in college now and grown into a beautiful young woman. Isabella and Tom had a teacher-student relationship in “The Sweetest Taboo”. A bittersweet love story,where love can easily turn into hate,when lies,rumors,and secrets are revealed. Teacher-student relationships is still taboo. But where once forbidden love was illegal,now it is not for Isabella is of age to follow her heart. Characters grow up,spread their wings and Isabella finds out the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. This reviewer does not condone teacher-student relationships. “Tainted Love” shows how when we are teenagers we have a different outlook on things than when we are older. A controversial,complex,and compelling story with a cliff hanger at the end. “Tainted Love” was written with depth,very emotional,heart wrenching,and pulls the reader into the story. The author also,explained some things from the first book. Beautifully written! Received for an honest review.
RATING:4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews
“Sweetest Taboo” series,while can be read as a stand alone, I would suggest reading “The Sweetest Taboo” first. “Tainted Love” is the follow up to Tom Stevens and Isabella Cruiz’s story. Four years later,Isabella is in college now and grown into a beautiful young woman. Isabella and Tom had a teacher-student relationship in “The Sweetest Taboo”. A bittersweet love story,where love can easily turn into hate,when lies,rumors,and secrets are revealed. Teacher-student relationships is still taboo. But where once forbidden love was illegal,now it is not for Isabella is of age to follow her heart. Characters grow up,spread their wings and Isabella finds out the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. This reviewer does not condone teacher-student relationships. “Tainted Love” shows how when we are teenagers we have a different outlook on things than when we are older. A controversial,complex,and compelling story with a cliff hanger at the end. “Tainted Love” was written with depth,very emotional,heart wrenching,and pulls the reader into the story. The author also,explained some things from the first book. Beautifully written! Received for an honest review.
RATING:4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews
May 15, 2013
This series has a good plot going. I also "got into the head" of Tom and Tony in this book, which is good/better. Especially, because I really wanted to get to know Tom. One complaint from me, is the writing style. I prefer to feel/experience the characters and their emotions, rather than being "told" to me... Unfortunately, it was such a big part of it that I didn't/couldn't even feel angry/betrayed by Isabel's actions, after "listening" her diary/journal entries...
March 6, 2013
I found myself really pissed of with Isabel because she just doesn't think.
I book was great, can't wait for the next!
They have to get together.
I book was great, can't wait for the next!
They have to get together.
March 12, 2013
I rated it three stars not because I don't like the story, I hate Isabel and the crazy decisions she did but overall I really feel for tom. Can't wait for the last book.
May 1, 2013
More reviews at Sab The Book Eater
After reading Sweetest Taboo I was somewhat eager to get started with Tainted Love. Not because I liked the previous book a great deal but because I was curious how the story would continue. So there I was, expecting Isabel and Tom to engage in a slightly forbidden relationship the second time around. I say "slightly" because circumstances have changed but they still couldn't get their relationship out in the open. Isabel wasn't a minor anymore and was already in college and Tom was divorced and yet there were still things that hindered them from becoming happy in each others arms.
Cheeseballs. I said something cheesy because that's what the romance in book two is - CHEESE.
I absolutely did not like how the romance (or lack thereof) went on in this book. Tom was on cloud nine seeing Isabel again and being able to spend two uninterrupted weeks with her at a B&B. He kept telling her how much he loves her and how painful it was when she left and how excited he is to be with her again yada yada yada yada. A boyfriend that bares it all... sweet, right? Unfortunately no matter how loving (and heavy) Tom's words were there was simply no warmth to it. There were so many parts and paragraphs where Tom would express his feelings to Isabel and her doing the same but I just didn't get the feels you know? Maybe it's just me and my petty appreciation of romance but I just couldn't feel anything for the both of them.
To make matters worse, it's like the book went two steps back instead of moving forward. I really wanted to see how their relationship would work without the limits that hindered them in the first book (apart from the rumors and judgment that is) but SPOILER ALERT - there was no relationship in this book. They may have had their moment in the beginning but all throughout the book they spent it apart without any real communication. I was so disappointed at how incredibly immature Isabel was in this book. She's supposed to know better now. I understand though that her exposure to different people in college changed her outlook greatly but I think she could've handled certain situations better, like an adult. Not that adults are completely rational and responsible all the time. I'm just saying, she was acting immature and it made everything worse than they were when she was 16.
It also frustrated me how Isabel would constantly question Tom's loyalty and wonder whether or not the rumors are true. What a hypocrite! She's the one who's been having an affair with yet another teacher (or professor) and she has the nerve to judge Tom? When she wasn't even making an effort to speak to him? It's all moving backwards!
Tainted Love was a bit different than the first book because some parts were written in Tom's perspective as well as Isabel's brother Tony (although not a lot). The book presented perspectives of a person who's obviously moved on, a person stuck in the past and a person looking from the outside.
I appreciate that the readers are finally given a look into Tom's life. It was so hard feeling compassionate for Tom in the first one because we knew nothing about him and that his character felt so dry. But in this one, we're finally given some insight about his marriage and his feelings for Isabel. Given how poorly Isabel handled their relationship issues, I kind of feel bad for Tom now. It's almost like I don't want them ending up together because Isabel didn't deserve him.
My biggest complaint in Sweetest Taboo was still very much present here - the writing. Except I think it got worse. Telling and not showing yet again. There were pages inner monologues that quite frankly went overboard. Isabel kept over thinking her situation - not that she's not supposed to think about it. It is a big deal after all. But if you have repetitive paragraphs that are basically saying the same thing, it gets really tiring. In fact I felt so tired of it that I had to skip a lot of pages. And guess what? I didn't miss much.
The story ended with a sort of cliffhanger but honestly it didn't excite me anymore. There were too many things that went wrong with the second book that I couldn't see myself getting interested enough to find out how they fix their "relationship" and actually be happy for real. I still couldn't bring myself to appreciate the romance, the story line, even the taboo aspect of it all. I'm sorry. Maybe it's your cup of tea and not mine.
(I received a copy of this book for review. This review is based solely on my opinion.)
After reading Sweetest Taboo I was somewhat eager to get started with Tainted Love. Not because I liked the previous book a great deal but because I was curious how the story would continue. So there I was, expecting Isabel and Tom to engage in a slightly forbidden relationship the second time around. I say "slightly" because circumstances have changed but they still couldn't get their relationship out in the open. Isabel wasn't a minor anymore and was already in college and Tom was divorced and yet there were still things that hindered them from becoming happy in each others arms.
Cheeseballs. I said something cheesy because that's what the romance in book two is - CHEESE.
I absolutely did not like how the romance (or lack thereof) went on in this book. Tom was on cloud nine seeing Isabel again and being able to spend two uninterrupted weeks with her at a B&B. He kept telling her how much he loves her and how painful it was when she left and how excited he is to be with her again yada yada yada yada. A boyfriend that bares it all... sweet, right? Unfortunately no matter how loving (and heavy) Tom's words were there was simply no warmth to it. There were so many parts and paragraphs where Tom would express his feelings to Isabel and her doing the same but I just didn't get the feels you know? Maybe it's just me and my petty appreciation of romance but I just couldn't feel anything for the both of them.
To make matters worse, it's like the book went two steps back instead of moving forward. I really wanted to see how their relationship would work without the limits that hindered them in the first book (apart from the rumors and judgment that is) but SPOILER ALERT - there was no relationship in this book. They may have had their moment in the beginning but all throughout the book they spent it apart without any real communication. I was so disappointed at how incredibly immature Isabel was in this book. She's supposed to know better now. I understand though that her exposure to different people in college changed her outlook greatly but I think she could've handled certain situations better, like an adult. Not that adults are completely rational and responsible all the time. I'm just saying, she was acting immature and it made everything worse than they were when she was 16.
It also frustrated me how Isabel would constantly question Tom's loyalty and wonder whether or not the rumors are true. What a hypocrite! She's the one who's been having an affair with yet another teacher (or professor) and she has the nerve to judge Tom? When she wasn't even making an effort to speak to him? It's all moving backwards!
Tainted Love was a bit different than the first book because some parts were written in Tom's perspective as well as Isabel's brother Tony (although not a lot). The book presented perspectives of a person who's obviously moved on, a person stuck in the past and a person looking from the outside.
I appreciate that the readers are finally given a look into Tom's life. It was so hard feeling compassionate for Tom in the first one because we knew nothing about him and that his character felt so dry. But in this one, we're finally given some insight about his marriage and his feelings for Isabel. Given how poorly Isabel handled their relationship issues, I kind of feel bad for Tom now. It's almost like I don't want them ending up together because Isabel didn't deserve him.
My biggest complaint in Sweetest Taboo was still very much present here - the writing. Except I think it got worse. Telling and not showing yet again. There were pages inner monologues that quite frankly went overboard. Isabel kept over thinking her situation - not that she's not supposed to think about it. It is a big deal after all. But if you have repetitive paragraphs that are basically saying the same thing, it gets really tiring. In fact I felt so tired of it that I had to skip a lot of pages. And guess what? I didn't miss much.
The story ended with a sort of cliffhanger but honestly it didn't excite me anymore. There were too many things that went wrong with the second book that I couldn't see myself getting interested enough to find out how they fix their "relationship" and actually be happy for real. I still couldn't bring myself to appreciate the romance, the story line, even the taboo aspect of it all. I'm sorry. Maybe it's your cup of tea and not mine.
(I received a copy of this book for review. This review is based solely on my opinion.)
September 7, 2013
Tainted Love, by Eva Marquez, is the second book in the Sweetest Taboo series. Sweetest Taboo, the first novel, is about high school student Isabel and the three year affair she has with her married teacher and swim coach, Tom. My review of Sweetest Taboo can be found here: http://endlessdaysofbooks.blogspot.co...
Sweetest Taboo was a very controversial and thought provoking novel. At times I hated Tom for taking advantage of Isabel, and at other times I felt that Tom truly loved her. My emotions were up and down so often that it felt like I was on a roller coaster. When Sweetest Taboo ended, Isabel had just come home from her first year of college where she had nothing to do with Tom. However, after she runs into him it seems like they may reunite and ends on a cliffhanger.
Tainted Love picks right up where the first novel left off. Isabel quickly finds herself back in Tom's arms and secretly goes away with him for a getaway before she leaves for her second year of college. Things with Tom are just as magical as they were before, she realizes how much she loves and has missed him. No one else listens to her like he does, or gives such great advice. Tom quickly asks her to live with him in a new house he plans to buy and while she is thrilled that they can finally have a real, 'normal' adult relationship, she also feels pressured by him wanting to move so quickly while she is trying to build a life in college.
In Tainted Love, Isabel is now 20 years old and Tom in his late 30's. During her summer rendezvous with Tom (and when she goes back to college), Isabel can't help but be suspicious of him and his relationships with other female students. Was she the only student he had a relationship with in all of his teaching career, or was she one of many? What was Tom up to while she was away for her first year of college? These doubts starts to gnaw at her as she goes back to college and she finds herself worrying about what he is doing while she is away.
Marquez's Tainted Love is told from different points of view, most notably that of Isabel and Tom. In Sweetest Taboo, readers never quite knew what Tom was thinking. In Tainted Love it was refreshing to read his true feelings, desires, fears, and goals and definitely gave me a new perspective on him and his relationship with Isabel. I was most surprised by the marriage he had been in and how his two children came to be. My opinion of how he cheats on his wife and forsakes his family was definitely altered by reading his truth.
I definitely recommend Tainted Love as I truly enjoyed it! However, please read Sweetest Taboo first so that you have an understanding of the history of Isabel and Tom's relationship. Eva Marquez's Tainted Love ends on a surprising and somewhat dreary note. I'm very curious to see how the final book, Time After Time, plays out. Will Isabel finally see the whole truth about her and Tom and what will happen when the truth is revealed?
*The author has provided me with a complimentary copy of her book, Tainted Love, for the purpose of review.*
July 17, 2014
Eva Márquez has simply out-done herself with Tainted Love and if I loved the first book in the series, Sweetest Taboo, I love this one even more. This story is so beautifully written, describing all the angst and the love that has never died between Isabel and Tom. Tainted Love is a captivating and heart-breaking story about love and if it’s built on a fragile foundation of trust, the relationship might not survive. This is that story.
The story picks up where it left off in Sweetest Taboo and Isabel is no longer a minor. She’s a freshman in college and has blossomed into a young woman. When she reunites with Tom all the familiar feelings of love overwhelm them both, reminding them that their feelings are still very much alive. And as the story progresses, white lies become deception and appearances become an illusion. Not to mention, Tom’s reputation catches-up with him regardless if the evidence is accurate or not.
One of the many things I loved about this book is that I was privy to Tom’s thoughts because of the alternating POV between Isabel and Tom. This answered a lot of the questions I had in the first book and this allowed me to develop stronger feelings him and not judge him too harshly. Tom is a complex character filled with depth, we learn why he married in the first place; I’m not saying they were smart choices but I understood him more because of those choices. Isabel is equally as complex, if not more. I’ve always understood her behavior but this time I did struggle with it because ultimately her immaturity left me speechless. If I could reach through the book and shake her I would have.
I was an absolute mess reading this book because I was stressed-out the entire time. A new love interest is introduced, Marcus. I prefer not to comment too much on him as I could potentially give away some of the plot but he’s not someone I care for in the least. It’s safe to say that I despise him! But as Isabel discovers in spreading her wings, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and realizes just how wonderful Tom truly is. Once she comes to that realization she also knows that her relationship with Tom is still a dirty secret which places a huge strain on their relationship.
Not only does Eva Márquez weave the alternating POV of Isabel and Tom seamlessly but she created a brilliant story that is tangled with deception and half-truths. She allows the reader to experience their relationship from a different perspective. This is the type of book that will generate discussions upon discussions and if you haven’t read this series yet, you are missing out big time!
My final two cents: A brilliant story about love, doubt and the unfortunate circumstances when outside influences are involved.
The story picks up where it left off in Sweetest Taboo and Isabel is no longer a minor. She’s a freshman in college and has blossomed into a young woman. When she reunites with Tom all the familiar feelings of love overwhelm them both, reminding them that their feelings are still very much alive. And as the story progresses, white lies become deception and appearances become an illusion. Not to mention, Tom’s reputation catches-up with him regardless if the evidence is accurate or not.
One of the many things I loved about this book is that I was privy to Tom’s thoughts because of the alternating POV between Isabel and Tom. This answered a lot of the questions I had in the first book and this allowed me to develop stronger feelings him and not judge him too harshly. Tom is a complex character filled with depth, we learn why he married in the first place; I’m not saying they were smart choices but I understood him more because of those choices. Isabel is equally as complex, if not more. I’ve always understood her behavior but this time I did struggle with it because ultimately her immaturity left me speechless. If I could reach through the book and shake her I would have.
I was an absolute mess reading this book because I was stressed-out the entire time. A new love interest is introduced, Marcus. I prefer not to comment too much on him as I could potentially give away some of the plot but he’s not someone I care for in the least. It’s safe to say that I despise him! But as Isabel discovers in spreading her wings, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and realizes just how wonderful Tom truly is. Once she comes to that realization she also knows that her relationship with Tom is still a dirty secret which places a huge strain on their relationship.
Not only does Eva Márquez weave the alternating POV of Isabel and Tom seamlessly but she created a brilliant story that is tangled with deception and half-truths. She allows the reader to experience their relationship from a different perspective. This is the type of book that will generate discussions upon discussions and if you haven’t read this series yet, you are missing out big time!
My final two cents: A brilliant story about love, doubt and the unfortunate circumstances when outside influences are involved.
April 20, 2013
After absolutely loving the first book in the series, Sweetest Taboo, I was eagerly anticipating this second installment. I tore through this book pretty quickly and I did love it. Although there were a few things that I just have to mention.
Isobel and Tom have this opportunity to finally be together, and at first it looks like things are going to go exactly as you expect. But then, she has to return to school, and this is where things hit the fan. Surprise, surprise, while Isobel was off at college growing a little older, she fell, kinda, for another older man who happens to be her academic advisor. While I understand why the author did this, I was a bit disappointed in Isobel. In a way, I felt that falling for another teacher kind of diminished the deep love she had for Tom all through the first book. She was steadfast that this love for her older teacher was special, and it was that fact that made this teacher-student romance acceptable, and it's what made me get past the, yes, taboo of it. Then she falls a bit for another teacher? This kind of backtracked me from believing that she and Tom were anything more than a bad decision a little bit, because otherwise, how could she fall for someone else? So I had a little bit of trouble with that.
Although, she does start to realize what's really going on, and that kind of helped the situation for me a bit. To me, this book was more about Tom than Isobel though anyway. Finally, we get to see inside of Tom's head, hear his thoughts, and know for a fact whether or not he's truly serious about Isobel or whether or not he's messing around with other girls the way he did Isobel. Was it all just a case of an older man doing things he shouldn't with a student and taking advantage of her, or was his love for her pure? We finally get to find out.
I did hate that there wasn't very much time in the book spent between Tom and Isobel. They are away from each other through most of the book, and so having Tom's point of view was even more important, and welcome. This distance led to a lot of misunderstanding that was hard to read. Isobel has misunderstood so much, and there were times I just wanted to shake her and tell her to stop messing around, go talk to Tom, ask him point blank. Don't just make assumptions! Give the guy an opportunity to speak for himself!
But in the end, it was believable. The book was so good. It certainly ended on a mother of a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the last book to see how this all ends!
Isobel and Tom have this opportunity to finally be together, and at first it looks like things are going to go exactly as you expect. But then, she has to return to school, and this is where things hit the fan. Surprise, surprise, while Isobel was off at college growing a little older, she fell, kinda, for another older man who happens to be her academic advisor. While I understand why the author did this, I was a bit disappointed in Isobel. In a way, I felt that falling for another teacher kind of diminished the deep love she had for Tom all through the first book. She was steadfast that this love for her older teacher was special, and it was that fact that made this teacher-student romance acceptable, and it's what made me get past the, yes, taboo of it. Then she falls a bit for another teacher? This kind of backtracked me from believing that she and Tom were anything more than a bad decision a little bit, because otherwise, how could she fall for someone else? So I had a little bit of trouble with that.
Although, she does start to realize what's really going on, and that kind of helped the situation for me a bit. To me, this book was more about Tom than Isobel though anyway. Finally, we get to see inside of Tom's head, hear his thoughts, and know for a fact whether or not he's truly serious about Isobel or whether or not he's messing around with other girls the way he did Isobel. Was it all just a case of an older man doing things he shouldn't with a student and taking advantage of her, or was his love for her pure? We finally get to find out.
I did hate that there wasn't very much time in the book spent between Tom and Isobel. They are away from each other through most of the book, and so having Tom's point of view was even more important, and welcome. This distance led to a lot of misunderstanding that was hard to read. Isobel has misunderstood so much, and there were times I just wanted to shake her and tell her to stop messing around, go talk to Tom, ask him point blank. Don't just make assumptions! Give the guy an opportunity to speak for himself!
But in the end, it was believable. The book was so good. It certainly ended on a mother of a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the last book to see how this all ends!
May 2, 2013
Sweetest Taboo was my favorite of the two. Getting to know Isabel and Mr. Stevens really was an interesting beginning. The illicitness did not distract me, although this definitely wouldn’t be for everyone. But I think Isabel’s coyness and her lack of knowledge really spoke volumes for her. Yes, she’s a teenager with tons of hormones raging, and you can see that but she isn’t someone that goes out to seduce, or be seduced, she just knows she’s interested in someone older than her.
The relationship is very innocent at first and she thinks it’s mostly in her head until Mr. Stevens starts giving hints that he is interested in her as well. Of course you can scream and say that isn’t right, or you can sit back and enjoy an intriguing story about two people that are trying to find love. If you overlook the age difference, this isn’t only about love, it’s also about trust. And in a relationship like this, if you lose the trust, you may lose everything.
Sweetest Taboo ends sort of on a cliff hanger. Isabel knows exactly what she wants but doesn’t let US know! You have to read book two to find out!
Even when I found myself cringing at the plot, even with as I try to pride myself with an open mind, I do have a daughter and the subject matter can be difficult to read and discuss, but I still found myself cringing in certain places. More so in Tainted Love. Isabel is nearly an adult and has gone off to college and still you wonder what their lives will be like. Book two is where the issues of trust really come into play. And although you get to see more of his side of the story, I was still wondering why he would do the things he does. Is he really just a nice guy?
I can tell you one thing, I wanted to kick him for some of the idiotic things he does. I mean really… being nice is fine and all but putting yourself in very bad circumstances is not cool. No matter what your age.
Tainted Love definitely ends on a cliff hanger and I feel for the characters! Both want the best for everyone around them and both don’t know how to show it so they wind up making mistakes. Sounds like real life right? It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out, to say the least!!
Time After Time is due out in September of 2013 and I can definitely say that I’m interested in how this is going to go.
The relationship is very innocent at first and she thinks it’s mostly in her head until Mr. Stevens starts giving hints that he is interested in her as well. Of course you can scream and say that isn’t right, or you can sit back and enjoy an intriguing story about two people that are trying to find love. If you overlook the age difference, this isn’t only about love, it’s also about trust. And in a relationship like this, if you lose the trust, you may lose everything.
Sweetest Taboo ends sort of on a cliff hanger. Isabel knows exactly what she wants but doesn’t let US know! You have to read book two to find out!
Even when I found myself cringing at the plot, even with as I try to pride myself with an open mind, I do have a daughter and the subject matter can be difficult to read and discuss, but I still found myself cringing in certain places. More so in Tainted Love. Isabel is nearly an adult and has gone off to college and still you wonder what their lives will be like. Book two is where the issues of trust really come into play. And although you get to see more of his side of the story, I was still wondering why he would do the things he does. Is he really just a nice guy?
I can tell you one thing, I wanted to kick him for some of the idiotic things he does. I mean really… being nice is fine and all but putting yourself in very bad circumstances is not cool. No matter what your age.
Tainted Love definitely ends on a cliff hanger and I feel for the characters! Both want the best for everyone around them and both don’t know how to show it so they wind up making mistakes. Sounds like real life right? It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out, to say the least!!
Time After Time is due out in September of 2013 and I can definitely say that I’m interested in how this is going to go.
April 10, 2013
In the first book of the series “sweetest taboo” the story took me to believe that true love exists in every possible form. And I started believing in a true love relationship between a minor and an adult to actually exist. To be honest, when I started reading Tainted love, I expected it will be a sweet, simple love story with NO confusions or problem, she will graduate from her school and after that they will live happily ever after. But when I actually read it GOD was I surprised it was NOTHING like that. It was something beyond my expectations, I mean yea I saw the blurb of the book before reading but still, every word of the book brought a new surprise for me.
It was beyond my expectations, and it was so unexpected. There were moments that actually arose my emotions, anger, hatred, sorrow, and confusion never left my side while I was reading it. I would really say I HATED Isabel in the book. Her actions extracted the anger from me. There was a time when I wanted to quit reading because I hated the way things were turning out, but I don’t quit reading as I think quitting in the middle is a crime, and so I kept reading it, and to be honest I was not at peace even when I finished the book. But really, the book took me to the point where it was supposed to take me and did its job of making me know climax perfectly.
I won’t tell what is in the book or why is it that I hate Isabel now. And then I fell in love with TOM (not literally, but yea) OMG how I wish I had a lover like that. Unconditional love is something one should learn from him, now question arises why? What made me love him so much? Sorry won’t tell that either. For that you have to read the book, sorry I don’t write nor do I support spoilers. I am really looking forward to read “time after time” the last book of the series where according to author Isabel finds out the truth about Tom. If you would ask me for an opinion, I would say I am expecting a negative ending because if it is positive, it will be too much predictable, and Isabel doesn’t deserve Tom. Come on don’t make it like twilight by giving the not deserving lead female everything, it should be more realistic where the one who deserves gets it and the one who doesn’t deserve it doesn’t. But then again that’s just my opinion. I will let the author decide how to surprise me and others.
It was beyond my expectations, and it was so unexpected. There were moments that actually arose my emotions, anger, hatred, sorrow, and confusion never left my side while I was reading it. I would really say I HATED Isabel in the book. Her actions extracted the anger from me. There was a time when I wanted to quit reading because I hated the way things were turning out, but I don’t quit reading as I think quitting in the middle is a crime, and so I kept reading it, and to be honest I was not at peace even when I finished the book. But really, the book took me to the point where it was supposed to take me and did its job of making me know climax perfectly.
I won’t tell what is in the book or why is it that I hate Isabel now. And then I fell in love with TOM (not literally, but yea) OMG how I wish I had a lover like that. Unconditional love is something one should learn from him, now question arises why? What made me love him so much? Sorry won’t tell that either. For that you have to read the book, sorry I don’t write nor do I support spoilers. I am really looking forward to read “time after time” the last book of the series where according to author Isabel finds out the truth about Tom. If you would ask me for an opinion, I would say I am expecting a negative ending because if it is positive, it will be too much predictable, and Isabel doesn’t deserve Tom. Come on don’t make it like twilight by giving the not deserving lead female everything, it should be more realistic where the one who deserves gets it and the one who doesn’t deserve it doesn’t. But then again that’s just my opinion. I will let the author decide how to surprise me and others.
March 14, 2013
Tainted Love continues the story of Isabel and Tom a year after she left Hillside High School to attend college in DC. In this installment we get to hear from a few more perspectives including Isabel, Tom and a small tidbit from her brother Tony. Despite a year of being apart, Isabel and Tom still feel a connection, and they ultimately pick up their affair where it left off. However, since the time they’ve been apart, Tom has left his wife and Isabel has continued to hide their secret from her family.
I was just as intrigued in this book as I was in the first, but where I was unable to activate my sensitivity chip for Isabel in book one, that wasn’t the case for Tom in book two. We learn more about his backstory, what he’s had to deal with in the last year and how he truly feels about Isabel despite the ramifications involved. Isabel is no longer a minor, but that doesn’t make the possibility of them being together any less messy. At the end of this installment, I just ended up feeling sorry for Tom and realizing he was the one in over his head because he’s dealing with a very complicated and emotionally shallow Isabel.
Again, in this book, I failed to gain any sort of sympathy for Isabel. She involves herself once again with a professor in the university, which proves to be more than she can handle. It was tough to see how quickly she disregards family and friends, so to say that I hope she gets a happily ever after would be more than I really wish for Isabel. I struggled with her throughout the book. She clearly shows that she wants to be in a messy relationship, but she doesn’t want to have to deal with the disappointment it will cause her family or the judgment she’ll get from others. She doesn’t want to face the questions, assumptions or ramifications of her choices, so in the end I’m still waiting for this character to grow up.
Despite my lack of feelings for Isabel, I am very much intrigued where her choices will ultimately lead her. So in the end, I can’t wait for the final book to see how this all pans out for Isabel and Tom. Intriguing writing and captivating plot that kept me engaged despite my opinion of the main characters.
I was just as intrigued in this book as I was in the first, but where I was unable to activate my sensitivity chip for Isabel in book one, that wasn’t the case for Tom in book two. We learn more about his backstory, what he’s had to deal with in the last year and how he truly feels about Isabel despite the ramifications involved. Isabel is no longer a minor, but that doesn’t make the possibility of them being together any less messy. At the end of this installment, I just ended up feeling sorry for Tom and realizing he was the one in over his head because he’s dealing with a very complicated and emotionally shallow Isabel.
Again, in this book, I failed to gain any sort of sympathy for Isabel. She involves herself once again with a professor in the university, which proves to be more than she can handle. It was tough to see how quickly she disregards family and friends, so to say that I hope she gets a happily ever after would be more than I really wish for Isabel. I struggled with her throughout the book. She clearly shows that she wants to be in a messy relationship, but she doesn’t want to have to deal with the disappointment it will cause her family or the judgment she’ll get from others. She doesn’t want to face the questions, assumptions or ramifications of her choices, so in the end I’m still waiting for this character to grow up.
Despite my lack of feelings for Isabel, I am very much intrigued where her choices will ultimately lead her. So in the end, I can’t wait for the final book to see how this all pans out for Isabel and Tom. Intriguing writing and captivating plot that kept me engaged despite my opinion of the main characters.
March 12, 2013
4 stars
This is book two in the Sweetest Taboo Series. It picks up where the first left off. Let me start off by saying that Tainted Love went deeper into the feelings of both Tom and Isabel.
The sincerity and thoughtfulness is still ever present in Eva Marquez’s writing of this difficult topic regardless that it is written in fiction. Marquez delves deeper into the heart and feelings of both Tom and Isabel. She doesn’t do this merely by stating so but through various scenes and events throughout the story. Tainted Love gives a more in depth look into the feelings and intentions of Tom. Rarely, do you see the side of the supposed guilty party- the one who should know better. In Tainted love, Tom reveals his heart and his truthful thoughts about Isabel. Again, there is nothing perverse in how his heart rules even though a teenage girl is the one who has taken his heart. What is revealed really does enlighten us to the fact that you cannot help where your heart goes and who it wants to love.
In this installment, Isabel is away at school for her freshman year of college. She is growing into her self that has always been on the more mature side. But now, she questions her actions and her feelings more when there is another player in the game. Now everything that Isabel was so sure of is teetering on an edge that she isn’t sure she can step back from; or even if she wants to.
I think from getting to know the characters in Sweetest Taboo, I felt more connected and protective of them while reading Tainted Love. I wanted their heart to be full and not conflicted. I wanted both Tom and Isabel the right to love. Tainted love was stronger and more emotionally laced. Now the love and heart is unbalanced.
I am eagerly anticipating the next book to see where Tom and Isabel's hearts will take them.
This is book two in the Sweetest Taboo Series. It picks up where the first left off. Let me start off by saying that Tainted Love went deeper into the feelings of both Tom and Isabel.
The sincerity and thoughtfulness is still ever present in Eva Marquez’s writing of this difficult topic regardless that it is written in fiction. Marquez delves deeper into the heart and feelings of both Tom and Isabel. She doesn’t do this merely by stating so but through various scenes and events throughout the story. Tainted Love gives a more in depth look into the feelings and intentions of Tom. Rarely, do you see the side of the supposed guilty party- the one who should know better. In Tainted love, Tom reveals his heart and his truthful thoughts about Isabel. Again, there is nothing perverse in how his heart rules even though a teenage girl is the one who has taken his heart. What is revealed really does enlighten us to the fact that you cannot help where your heart goes and who it wants to love.
In this installment, Isabel is away at school for her freshman year of college. She is growing into her self that has always been on the more mature side. But now, she questions her actions and her feelings more when there is another player in the game. Now everything that Isabel was so sure of is teetering on an edge that she isn’t sure she can step back from; or even if she wants to.
I think from getting to know the characters in Sweetest Taboo, I felt more connected and protective of them while reading Tainted Love. I wanted their heart to be full and not conflicted. I wanted both Tom and Isabel the right to love. Tainted love was stronger and more emotionally laced. Now the love and heart is unbalanced.
I am eagerly anticipating the next book to see where Tom and Isabel's hearts will take them.
April 21, 2013
Once a cheater, always a cheater.
2.5 Stars. This is hard to review because the book was a good read overall but there were so many things that just can't be overlooked. Isabel frustrated the absolute crap out of me. How dare she question Tom's fidelity when she was the one off sleeping with another man. What made it worst is that this is something that happened the whole way through the book right through to the end and when she turn's up at Tom's and thinks he is with another woman so she get's all upset. Newsflash honey you're the one who has been having an affair, get over yourself.
One part of the book that really frustrated me as well was when she was complaining about how her old friend Vicky was so immature and acted like she was still in high school. Isabel was just as immature than Vicky if not more so. My final issue with the book was the lack of freaking communication. It was hard to get behind a relationship between Tom and Isabel when there was no communication between the two of them and they were apart for pretty much the whole book. I did enjoy the chapter's from Tom's point of view and although I feel bad for him he really needed to man up in this one. The overall book was written quite well though and now I just find myself with the dilemma of whether or not I will be reading the third and final book in the series. At this point in time I am so angry at the character's that I think not.
2.5 Stars. This is hard to review because the book was a good read overall but there were so many things that just can't be overlooked. Isabel frustrated the absolute crap out of me. How dare she question Tom's fidelity when she was the one off sleeping with another man. What made it worst is that this is something that happened the whole way through the book right through to the end and when she turn's up at Tom's and thinks he is with another woman so she get's all upset. Newsflash honey you're the one who has been having an affair, get over yourself.
One part of the book that really frustrated me as well was when she was complaining about how her old friend Vicky was so immature and acted like she was still in high school. Isabel was just as immature than Vicky if not more so. My final issue with the book was the lack of freaking communication. It was hard to get behind a relationship between Tom and Isabel when there was no communication between the two of them and they were apart for pretty much the whole book. I did enjoy the chapter's from Tom's point of view and although I feel bad for him he really needed to man up in this one. The overall book was written quite well though and now I just find myself with the dilemma of whether or not I will be reading the third and final book in the series. At this point in time I am so angry at the character's that I think not.
March 21, 2013
Tainted Love continues the story of Isabel Cruz and Tom Stevens. Isabel is now at college and temptation once again finds her, but this time with Professor Wellings. While back home, Tom is threatened by a group of cheerleaders who are intent on having him. Will their love for each other be great enough to survive?
In the previous book, Isabel was a typical fifteen-year-old and she didn't know any better, but in this book I absolutely detested her. She's referred as "mature and beyond her years", but her actions and behaviors said otherwise. I expected her to act like an adult but it never happened. She was inconsiderate, childish, and selfish and behaved worse than ever. I didn't believe her apologies and feelings of guilt and shame to be genuine. I had issues with Tom as well. He was a pushover (his marriage is prove of that) and never spoke up. I felt like he enabled Isabel to act the way she did. Obviously, their relationship is toxic. There was no trust for each other, no communication between the two of them, and no truth.
All of that being said, I still believe the storyline has potential. Is there room for improvement? Of course, but I still find myself wanting to know how Márquez will wrap up the series. If you’re a fan of romance then this series may be for you.
*I received Tainted Love for review. All opinions are my own. *
In the previous book, Isabel was a typical fifteen-year-old and she didn't know any better, but in this book I absolutely detested her. She's referred as "mature and beyond her years", but her actions and behaviors said otherwise. I expected her to act like an adult but it never happened. She was inconsiderate, childish, and selfish and behaved worse than ever. I didn't believe her apologies and feelings of guilt and shame to be genuine. I had issues with Tom as well. He was a pushover (his marriage is prove of that) and never spoke up. I felt like he enabled Isabel to act the way she did. Obviously, their relationship is toxic. There was no trust for each other, no communication between the two of them, and no truth.
All of that being said, I still believe the storyline has potential. Is there room for improvement? Of course, but I still find myself wanting to know how Márquez will wrap up the series. If you’re a fan of romance then this series may be for you.
*I received Tainted Love for review. All opinions are my own. *
April 1, 2013
I'm not real sure where to start, so I'll write as things come to mind. Tainted Love doesn't seem to be written as good as the first within this series. I felt like I was listening to an immature teen ramble on about their life. I really thought that the main character, Isabel would have been a bit more mature, because she was grown and in college. I honestly think she's worse in this one. It doesn't seem like she's grown up at all. She claims she loves Tom but joins into another relationship with someone else. During this time she worries if Tom is being unfaithful but doesn't even really consider what she's doing. It was annoying. I had a hard time caring for her and rooting for her in this one.
I actually feel bad for Tom. No matter how much of his heart he gives within this book, Isabel just doesn't see it. Because of the way she behaved, I couldn't really get into the story as much as I wanted to.
I noticed in a few places where the point of view changed, which added a bit of confusion. In the third chapter we see it from Tom's point of view but it goes from first person into third later in the book.
I will eventually read the next book to see what happens and I'm hoping that Isabel grows up.
*I received Tainted Love for review. All opinions are my own. *
I actually feel bad for Tom. No matter how much of his heart he gives within this book, Isabel just doesn't see it. Because of the way she behaved, I couldn't really get into the story as much as I wanted to.
I noticed in a few places where the point of view changed, which added a bit of confusion. In the third chapter we see it from Tom's point of view but it goes from first person into third later in the book.
I will eventually read the next book to see what happens and I'm hoping that Isabel grows up.
*I received Tainted Love for review. All opinions are my own. *
August 11, 2016
I couldn’t stop reading this book! There was a lot of back and forth of emotions I had to deal with when reading though.
Number 1 – Isabel’s “thoughts” were so irrational. Most of her decisions made me want to throw the book at times. Other times I could understand her “rational” thinking due to her previous involvements.
Number 2 – Tom’s inability to walk away when he could. The heartache he must have went through was something that we didn’t go in depth on, but I could only imagine his ever though, or well-being.
Number 3 – How could anyone ever think this is okay!? There is so much about this book that makes me cringe. I guess being a parent sheds a light in a whole other angle.
On another hand, I loved the storyline. I read this book before the first one, and I picked up right where it left off. I guess this book could be a stand-alone because I sure got the “jiffs” of the idea going on. I absolutely loved the flow of the words Eva put into every word. It was really captivating. Here I am sitting here right before bed already wanting to know about the next book, the cliffhanger off this book will drive me bonkers! haha!!
We're Jumpin' Books
Number 1 – Isabel’s “thoughts” were so irrational. Most of her decisions made me want to throw the book at times. Other times I could understand her “rational” thinking due to her previous involvements.
Number 2 – Tom’s inability to walk away when he could. The heartache he must have went through was something that we didn’t go in depth on, but I could only imagine his ever though, or well-being.
Number 3 – How could anyone ever think this is okay!? There is so much about this book that makes me cringe. I guess being a parent sheds a light in a whole other angle.
On another hand, I loved the storyline. I read this book before the first one, and I picked up right where it left off. I guess this book could be a stand-alone because I sure got the “jiffs” of the idea going on. I absolutely loved the flow of the words Eva put into every word. It was really captivating. Here I am sitting here right before bed already wanting to know about the next book, the cliffhanger off this book will drive me bonkers! haha!!
We're Jumpin' Books
September 28, 2014
I received this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads giveaway and a big thank you to the author for letting me read your work :)
I unfortunately just did not like any of the characters which was maybe the point of showing that we are all flawed. I just couldn't enjoy the book as I was just getting so angry at the characters.
I unfortunately just did not like any of the characters which was maybe the point of showing that we are all flawed. I just couldn't enjoy the book as I was just getting so angry at the characters.
March 14, 2013
WoW!! Better than the first book. Came to know more about the characters. Isobel and Tom. I am glad we finaaly get into Tom's head and know what he was thinking. Touching book. It explored more into teacher and student relationship. and I can say one thing I love Tom and Isobel. I have started to dislike her in this book a lot. Tom deserve better.
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