From NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Addison MooreLove the '80s? Miss big hair, rad music, and leg warmers? Take a step back in time with Tainted Love (A Totally '80s Romance 2) It’s like totally awesome. ***CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE*** September 1985... Heather Knowles is the coolest chick I know. She’s a little wild but she’s genuine, honest, and drop dead gorgeous. The more I get to know her, the more I want to spend time with her. She’s finally opening up to me, and a part of me really wants to tell Heather all about my haunted past—that I’m not the person anyone thinks I am. If my mother had her way, I’d go to the grave with that info. But Heather is probably the only person who would understand. She’s so beautiful. I don’t know how I got all the way to senior year without getting to know her better. Now the only thing I want is to make up for lost time. My name is Amanda Prescott, and Russell James is mine. I’ve known Russell all my life. Our parents belong to the same country club, social circles, and tax brackets. Russell needs to face it. We are destined to be together. That little slut, Heather? She doesn’t stand a chance. Once I let the entire student body in on her dirty secret, Russell will run straight into my arms ducking for cover. There’s never been anything or anyone that I’ve wanted that I didn’t get. Yeah, my name is Amanda Prescott, and Russell James is mine. Tainted Love (A Totally ‘80s Romance 2) It’s like totally awesome. ***CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE*** Tainted Love (A Totally '80s Romance 2) From the NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author, Addison Moore...Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books...easy, frothy fun! Original publication date February 16, 2016
Subscribe to Addison's newsletter! http://www.addisonmoore.com/subscribe/ Follow for deals and steals on Bookbub-> https://www.bookbub.com/authors/addis... Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of cozy mysteries and romance. Her new book MIDLIFE IN GLIMMERSPELL is NOW available! Read today! Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!" Humor with a side of homicide.
FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Amazon-->https://amzn.to/3AnyVhs Hibiscus Homicide Cruise is here! An impending divorce. An ornery homicide detective. The cruise of a lifetime. And ghosts. Midlife on the high seas is proving to be a real killer. #Cozymystery #Kindleunlimited #mystery #PWF
More please! I loved this trip back to the 80s and seeing characters I met in Melt With You and meeting new ones. I loved getting to know Heather Knowles better, as herself, and not just one of Melissa's BFFs. I loved also getting to know Russell James better.
I loved Heather's take me or leave me attitude. She's so self aware and mature. I admired her a lot for that. I mean she's tackling life head on and dealing with the cards on the table. She's honest, hard working, and not resentful of how things are. I hated that others were unable to see how cool she was and the way she was treated for it.
Russell was cool too. He really surprised me, because I didn't initially think there was a lot of depth to him, but I was wrong. I liked how Russell was a great friend and sibling, but I wish he'd been more assertive when it came to letting others know about Heather and how he felt. I felt like a lot of heartache they both experienced could've been avoided easily if he had.
Heather and Russell had fantastic chemistry and I loved seeing them dance around each other and their feelings. I love how outwardly they seemed to be so different, yet when they were together they really seemed to be perfect for each other. I loved all the references to the 80s, the clothes, the music, the makeup, etc.
It was great to see Melissa and Joel again. There wasn't much I didn't enjoy about this book. I would've loved to have seen Heather's tormentors get what was due to them. I also would've loved to have seen an epilogue that's later in the future, but hopefully Heather and Russell will make an appearance in Hold Me Now and I will get the satisfaction of having all my remaining questions about this book answered!
I am loving this series, maybe because I adore the music from this era and the clothes and the perfumes...Love's Baby Soft and the glitter lipsticks. Ms. Moore manages to throw in the name brands everyone over used back in the day and that is half the fun with this series.
Russell is the rich boy who holds a secret close to his heart. Heather is the girl whose family struggles to make ends meet. It's obvious that Russell has a thing for her, and she is less than eager to jump into anything. She's knows it's possible for two different worlds to exist (she has her best friend Melissa and her boyfriend Joel (from the first book Melt With You)) but she's convinced it's not going to happen for her.
Once these two finally get together it's far from smooth sailing. We have the mean girls-led by Amanda; the she witch who wants Russell in a bad way. We have Russell's promise to his mom that is going to back fire big time when Heather finds out and then we have Russell's secret. He will dance with the devil to get a chance to see the one person he longs to see. It's all going to blow up in their faces. Who will be left standing?
Next up is Jennifer and Jessie's story-that one is going to be delicious!
Addison Moore has done it again, throughout this book she had me laughing so much that you just couldn’t help but fall in love with the story and the characters. Addison really knows how to write a book and draw you right in.. I don’t think that this book could have been done any other way. Don’t get me wrong there’s times when I just want to hit some of the characters, but that happens in pretty much most books.
This story carries on from pretty much where you finished at in Melt With You, but you fast forward a few months and a different character, but it still carries on with the same story line. I did feel for both Heather and Russel, even though Russel could have done a lot better at opening up to Heather, I still thought that he was such a sweet guy. Heather is such a sweetie, I find myself relating to her in some aspects because honestly, it’s not fair to be judged before anyone knows who you really are. Heather goes through a lot and even though she can’t stand the sight of Russel, you can’t help but wonder what it would be like if they both did get on as the chemistry is just amazing between them. I’m really looking forward to see how things plan out in the last book for Jennifer, she deserves to find someone or better yet, we get to find out her story.
As with book 1 we have basically 3 teens caught up in romantic conflict and even more angst this time for main characters Heather and Russell.
Caught up in nostalgia for my own teen years this story still resonated as honest look at what really goes on in high school for the unlucky few who never seem to fit in with the rest of the herd.
Hold Me Now is the third book and think it may have the most poignant tale of the three yet.
I may have not been born in the 80s (late 90s baby here 😂), but I wish I did. I love the movies the music, everything and this book made me feel as if I were zapped into the era of big hair and legwarmers. Just like the first novel, I fell in love with the story, the characters, and of course the music. I even created a playlist as I went along -which I have also done for Melt With You. (I know she has her own playlist on spotify but that didn't include chapter titles) I cannot wait to get started on the last book in the 80s romance trilogy.
I love all of these totally eighties books, especially since I raised two teenage daughters during that decade. The author did a good job putting the personalities of these teenagers on paper.
Just like the first book, I enjoyed going back to the 80's! The music is what I miss most! Anyway, if youmlived the 80's, you are going to enjoy reading this. It's like hopping in a time machine, and voila - you are back to your old High School!
Russel and Heather are from different social classes, but that shouldn't get in the way of love. Right? Right! They only thing that's in their way is Amanda. Sorry girl, but he's so not into you!
Never Surrender. Yes, that is the theme song for this book. Russel Senior had it pegged! Now that was some good advice from a figure that has been absent from your life! I don't want to delve into it, but I loved the reunion!
Merged review:
Just like the first book, I enjoyed going back to the 80's! The music is what I miss most! Anyway, if you lived the 80's, you are going to enjoy reading this. It's like hopping in a time machine, and voila - you are back to your old self, rockin' the hair, and fashion!
Russel and Heather are from different social classes, but that shouldn't get in the way of love. Right? Right! They only thing that's in their way is Amanda. Sorry girl, but he's like totally not into you!
Never Surrender. Yes, that is the theme song for this book. Russel Senior had it pegged! Now that was some good advice from a figure that has been absent from your life! I don't want to delve into it, but I loved the reunion!
Merged review:
Just like the first book, I enjoyed going back to the 80's! The music is what I miss most! Anyway, if youmlived the 80's, you are going to enjoy reading this. It's like hopping in a time machine, and voila - you are back to your old High School!
Russel and Heather are from different social classes, but that shouldn't get in the way of love. Right? Right! They only thing that's in their way is Amanda. Sorry girl, but he's so not into you!
Never Surrender. Yes, that is the theme song for this book. Russel Senior had it pegged! Now that was some good advice from a figure that has been absent from your life! I don't want to delve into it, but I loved the reunion!
I loved "Melt With You," the first book in this series, so I was very excited to read "Tainted Love." I adored Heather and Russell's story just as much. If you're a fan of 80's nostalgia (especially the music!) and you love the "star crossed lovers" trope (think "Pretty in Pink") then you will really enjoy this book. There's plenty of drama, humor, and "coming of age" conflicts in this one. It's written in alternating points of view, which gives us insight into the minds of both Heather and Russell. Personally, I find it much easier to connect with both characters this way, and in case you're new to this author, Addison does witty dialogue better than anyone!
Both Heather and Russell are solid and engaging characters. They also have a lot more going on in their lives than they let on and privately struggle with their own personal demons. Even though on the surface they appear to be mismatched, they are more alike than they realize. Heather is a very strong and likable MC, and Russell is far more than just a pretty faced preppy boy. This is why I love the use of alternating points of view. The reader can make a strong connection with both characters and it makes their conflict easier to relate to. As their story enfolds you will definitely be cheering them on and praying for their "happily ever after!"
Overall this is a fun, addictive, and heartwarming YA romance written with the style and wit that made me a huge fan of Addison's writing from the very beginning. (FYI ~ this is a more mature YA novel due to language and sexual situations.) Many thanks to the author for the privilege of reading this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I hope you read this book and enjoy it as much as I did. I can't wait for the next one in the series!:)
Heather and Russell finally see each other after years of pretty much ignoring each other. Heather is definitely from the wrong side of the tracks and her mother and siblings all struggle to make ends meet. Russell has everything he could ever dream of handed to him, but also has a dark secret his mother has insisted he keep. Heather and Russell finally form a friendship and both are surprised when they discover they want more. Russell has promised his mom a favor, which comes in the form of agreeing to take Amanda to her Cotillion in exchange for meeting his father. Russell's mom did go above and beyond trying to make her wish of Russell and Amanda being soul mates come true. Heather has learned to make due with what she has and knows she cannot compete with Amanda in any way, shape or form. A meeting with Russell's mom confirms that she thinks she is beneath him and she pretty much embarrasses Heather with no shame. Amanda goes out of her way throughout the book in making Heather feel bad and insults and even makes up stories about her to make herself look better. The only thing that really bothered me was that Russell never really stood up for Heather and called Amanda out on her behavior. When Russell's secret is revealed he pretty much accuses Heather and doesn't even consider the alternative. When Heather discovers what Russell has been keeping from her, it does not go well for Russell. I did like how Russell owned his mistakes and tried to make amends right away. Heather was pretty tacky using her ex to prove a point, but we all made mistakes at that age. Overall another good read that took me back to my youth.
This book is the second in the series and it was as good as book #1. Completely different storyline but the characters from book #1 all make an appearance, more than once!! I loved how this series is bringing back memories from the late 1980's. With the use of the Valley Girl words, like totally" I feel like I am reliving parts of younger days.
I can't wait to read book #3 next which is Jennifer's story.
Like, totally amazing... fer sur. This book was nostalgic, hilariously witty, the perfect amount of sarcasm, heart, and friendship.
We know Melissa and Joel, now its time to meet Russell and Heather. Heather has the best friends and an amazing family, if only her hormones could pay attention to her brain and stop firing every time Joel's preppy, popped collar, best friend Russell is in her vicinity. Heather has enough on her plate looking for a new job (wheels and a camera are in order), helping mom pay the rent , and avoiding her ex to worry about the Glen Heights golden boy.
Russell has a secret, and will do anything for it - even attend the Country Clubs Cotillion with Amber, his mom's best friend's daughter. Its just a few hours, totally worth it for the payout. Too bad Amber thinks theres something more to their relationship. She has a nasty habit of sharing her saliva with him even when its unwanted; no wonder she was kicked out of her private school, dropping to her knees for her teacher didn't hurt either.
Senior year - its gonna be totally bitchin!
I really love the way Addison writes. Sometimes it reads like a diary; but I feel that just brings out me inner angsty teenager in me. Great read!
** I was provided and ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Addison Moore has once again knocked it out of the park! Tainted Love is the 2nd book in the A Totally 80s Romance series and was so well written!! This time I was transported back to 1985 and loved every second!!! I’m a total 80s fan and loved all the pop culture references. Addison didn’t miss a detail – the fashion, music, makeup, & lingo it all brought back so many memories!!! Even if you didn’t get to experience the 80s decade you will still enjoy this book. The story is a sweet, romantic, melt-worthy and is simply so sweet and loveable!!! Addison knows how to transport you to a time and place and make you feel like you’re part of the story; a movie unfolding as you go. The imagery she creates with her words is incredible! I’m not one to give away too many details cause I want you to experience the book firsthand and enjoy the ride unspoiled. I definitely recommend reading this book! It can be read as a standalone; however, after reading this book you won’t be able to resist reading Melt With You and Hold Me Now! Thank you Addison for bringing me back to the 80s with a totally awesome story!!!
Freaking Fantastic!! Omg throw in a Woolworths and Shopper's Fair and I would say this was me and my friends, only in the 70's though. I even called my sister after the first few chapters to tell her she has got to get this book when it's released Thursday. haha
Addison Moore weaves such brilliant tales with her Totally 80's Romance books, you always feel a part of the story. A must-read for anyone who wants to take a stroll down memory lane or just a great story about friends and their lives during senior year.
Sorry no spoilers here, this is so dam good. I found that there was so many great things to write about I couldn't decide where to start.
Thank you Addison Moore for giving me the ARC of this book for my honest review. I also preordered it
Russell sure knows how to put up a front when he needs to, “no, I’m not just another guy looking to get into your pants.” I swallow hard, because for one, I think I just lied to the first girl I’ve fallen hard for." Russell knows when to admit he's been defeated, “someone who’s warming your seat for you.” I nod past him at the building line. “You’d better go. I’ve got customers to help.” Russell doesn’t break our gaze, just gives a slight nod and steps aside." I enjoyed this book, I loved Heather and not just because we share the same first name but because she got business taken care of. Russell could be a hit or miss but I'm glad he could get his things handled at the end.
Well I couldn't get this one fast enough after reading the first one of the series *Melt With You* and can I say I really, really loved Heather and Russell's story, just like the first book this one takes you back once again to that great time in your life when you think you'll never get the guy and then by some miraculous event you do!!!! All is good and then just when you think life is great it gets ugly..... the guy is a douche and your heart will never be the same! This story really had some twists and kept me turning the pages frantically thinking now what??? Yeah Addison had me with this one! Can't wait for the next book!! This series ROCKS!!!!
Another outstanding read by Addison Moore. The 80's songs and hairsprays and lipsticks all brought me back to a wonderful time! I loved Heather and Russell's story<3 It shows that no matter how different your lives may seem true love will succeed. Heather and Joel both have amazing friends that help them through it all. Amanda is just truly a horrible person. Pasts and secrets collide for a terrible twist that will have you in tears. But through it all Heather and Russell are destined to be. <3
I have stayed up all night reading this book and now I'm writing this review with extremely heavy eyes at 5:45am, so this will be short. Even though the story line was exactly the same as the 1st book, except for different H's and mean girls, I still loved this book. It was "totally bitchin'". I love the 1980's and this book was the perfect description. I'm sure the next book will be, again, the exact same story line but I don't give a shit. I love it and the whiny, spoiled-brat, mean girls
TAINTED LOVE by ADDISON MOORE is the second book in the TOTALLY 80s ROMANCE SERIES. Each book can be read as a stand-alone.
This is a fun book, plain and simple. The author does an excellent job of recreating the vibe of the 80s. I love the use of hit songs throughout the story.