Tainted Rose

Rosehaven Academy #2

by Leila James

Scarlett Miller

Sassy scholarship student.
I’ve manipulated and deceived her.

She’s all but broken, tainted.
I made her mine, then pushed her away.
She hates me now.

Yet, she’s the key to my everything.
And the truth I’ve hidden may take her from me.

Welcome to Rosehaven Academy.


This is a mature new adult high school series and contains situations that some readers might find offensive.

Book 3, Ruthless Rose releases March 2021.

Genres: High School, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2021

Reviews

[Rudy.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a roller-coaster with so many drops and loops, and im in there screaming and hoping I don't puke or fall out, my heart hammered through my chest the whole time.

I thought nail bitting was only for scary movies, I was wrong....the intensity and suspense  in this book had me bitting my nails like a beaver chopping down a tree.  Que suspenseful music. 

This book has me sooooo intrigued in Aria... 🤔

[Brittany (happy.ending.always) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for the ride of your life with this series! Tainted Rose took me on a fun journey, a journey I didn't want to stop reading! This book is incredible. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Holy Moly of amazingness! This book was everything I wanted and so much more! I was nervous how Savage Rose left off and how everything would wrap up! But it surely did not disappoint one bit! I felt like from the first words I read, I was holding my breathe and didn't let it out until the final words I read. This book was exciting, twisty and had so many ups and downs, at times I didn't know where it was going. But it was so captivating, I felt like I needed to keep reading and reading to find out what was going to happen!

I love this series and I absolutely love this author. The characters she has created are amazing! Scarlett, she is fierce, like legit amazing! She fights for what she believes in and doesn't take nothing from anyone. And Xander, twisted, lovable, scary Xander! Xander needs a hug and I want to give it to him. Holy moly is he hot hot hot! He is fierce too! The entire book you aren't sure where they are going with their relationship. You aren't sure who to trust and that made reading so much more enjoyable. I felt like this book took me on such a wild ride I didn't want to ever put the book down!

I truly am so glad I found Leila James' books! She is smart with her writing. She captivates you from the very first page. She writes characters that are relatable but also fun to read. She keeps you entertained with the story, with the twists and turns. But mostly for this book, this book was steamy with a capital S! I absolutely loved everything about this book! Can't wait to see what else Leila has up her sleeve! This is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ!

[Lammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t really care much for quite a few of these characters in the end 😑

While I didn’t mind Xander himself, what Xander did to Scarlett at the end of book one required some serious grovelling and it wasn’t there. He just flip flops all over the place and because she’s just so hot for him they pick right back up. This girl had no spine at all.

Isabella, Xander’s mother staying in a relationship with Xander’s dad and let her child be beaten for years. Without some background story on this makes it impossible to believe that his behaviour could be put down to being protective of her. She wasn’t of him.

Sebastian, Scarlett’s father knew she was his this whole time. Not part of her life, and no financial support for her while she was growing up even though he was mega rich. He was basically outed as her father and the lame explanation at the end just makes Scarlett forgive him? Right 🙄
This man literally had no character.

I bought the book 1-6 and 7-10 book sets of these so I will continue this series at some point but will take a break for now. I have really liked more recent work from this author and bought these on faith but the characters and story were just not very well developed 🤷

[C.M. Danks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tainted Rose is book 2 picking up where Savage Rose left off.

“Am I still yours?”
“Always, red. And you f**king own me, too.”

Oof, okay so I love Scarlett (Red) and Xander so much! I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen from the cliffy in book 1. This whole book was a ride for sure! You have twists and turns throughout the whole story and always kept me guessing. Of course Xander was more of a sweetheart toward the middle and end of the book and I absolutely adored him. All he wanted to do was protect Scarlett.

And we can’t forget about the great side characters! :)
I highly recommend this series! 🌹 💫

*I received this book as an ARC*

[Yames Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spanish & English Opinion :: 4🍭🍭🍭🍭

ESP ::

¡Xander! Un shock su forma de actuar al final del libro uno, pero ahora todo tiene sentido.
Este libro tiene muchos elementos que lo hacen interesante:

🟡Misterio. Sin duda, de mis elementos favoritos. Estuve tratando de adivinar los secretos TODO EL TIEMPO.
🟡Beau y Micah. Son de esos amigos que quiero tener
🟡Mucha química entre Xander y Scar... aunque, de repente Scar era DEMASIADO permisiva...

Fue el perfecto final para la pareja. Aria me cayó bien al final.. hasta ganas me dan de que tenga su libro 😬

ENG ::

Xander! He shocked me and the end of the first book, but now everything makes sense!
The elements that make this book interesting:

🟡Mystery! I loved trying to guess the plot all the time!
🟡Micah and Beau. I want them to be my friends.
🟡lots of chemistry between Xander and Scar... even though Scarlett was really permissive with some stuff and that I did not love...

The ending was perfect! And my confession: Aria grew on me. Will she have a book? Hope so!

[Savannah Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Our love isn't perfect, but it's perfectly us."

Oh. My. Goodness. I loved this book! After the cliffhanger at the end of Savage, I have been waiting with baited breath for this! I have been dying to understand Xander, his hot & cold attitude, the secrets he so clearly carries, his perspective on all things Scarlett. And this... it does not disappoint! I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning of page 1, through to the very end. There are twists & turns & surprises, suspense & mystery & so much more than I expected. You won't be able to put this down, I didn't get anything done until I finished the last chapter because I didn't want to stop! Scarlett & Xander get their happy ending, no one deserves it more, and the adventure in getting there was all encompassing & an absolute blast!

[Michelle Mastandrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever you thought you knew will be SO MUCH MORE than what you expected....

The Rose and his Thorn...
Hot on the heels of Savage Rose's EPIC cliffhanger Tainted picks up right where Xander delivers a savage and ruthless blow to our heroine Scarlett (Red). It seems as though their story is over before it truly had the chance to begin but, their dark and twisted journey is far from over...

As secrets are revealed, truths uncovered and villains are unmasked...The anguish, distrust, and frustration will play heavily against this couple as the twists and turns keep coming making this story one completely WILD RIDE!!

I read this cover to cover in a matter of hours because it was so enthralling that I literally couldn't put it down! It was exciting, suspenseful, heartbreaking, frustrating, and so f***ing sexy!

Scarlett is a fantastic heroine. She has strength, courage, and a beautiful heart. Xander's layers are peeled away revealing a deeply loyal and protective hero who's love for Scarlett shines through by the end of this story. He'll make it hard to remember why you ever hated him in the first place.

This is one completely addictive series and I am so happy to have stumbled upon it. Tainted Rose amped up the drama, angst, chemistry, and had me glued to the page from beginning to end! All I can say is bring on Micha and Daphne because this girl needs MORE!!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND putting this on your TBR and doing it NOW! You'll so thank me later 😘

*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book by the author for an honest review *

[Kayla Pocernich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and it picks up right were the first book left off. Xander is trying to protect Scarlett buy doing what he thinks is right. Scarlett just wants answers as to why Xander is pushing her away. This book as so many twist and turns that you honestly don't know what is going to happen next. To see what happens with Scarlett, Xander and the rest of the crew you are going to have wait until the book comes out.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

“Tainted Rose” reels readers in for a heart-wrenching plot of overwhelming desires, jolting surprises, and a soul-stirring love connection that will keep them invested until the very end.

Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Kimberly Karma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling, Amazing, Angsty ride

Oooh boy, this is the conclusion of Xander and Scarlett's story, and Damnnnn, every time I thought I knew what was gonna happen... WRONG, Lol . I could not have been more wrong, which makes this an Incredibly Amazing story by an Awesomely talented author!!! Now onto book 3, because its out now, and I can't wait to dig in!!

[Shauna McDonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first!

Fantastic conclusion to Red and Xander's story.
Leila did a fantastic job and weaving a story filled with secrets and lies, drawing the reader in and keeping them craving more.
Excited to see how the rest of the series plays out... on to next instalment I go! 🙌

[Lady Lauren Explorer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t the extra tension

Definitely wasn’t expecting that in the end.

I’m glad the conclusion helped to resolve all these tiny subplots. Because I was wondering why he never said do you think after he knew.

I liked the ending it was really good!

[Joanne K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed book 2!

Another fantastic story in this Rosenhaven Academy Series. Loved the different points of view. There are more twists and turns but ends with a HEA! Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Jennifer Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Few twist and turns happening in this second part of the duet! I loved Xander! The crap he grew up with was more than an 8 year should deal with! And then Scarlett and all we learned about her in this book! I loved them together! I kind of want more on them giving that he’s living with her dad but she’s still at her Aunt’s.... I just need more on her relationship with her dad.. and of course little Janie 🥰

[Gemsbookishvibe · Rating 5 out of 5]

After book 1 ended in a cliffhanger I had to read this one straight away. In this we get to see Xander’s POV and bless him, as much as I hated him in the first book, this book shows how much he actually hates himself.

There is so much against Xander snd Scarlett and hundred of reasons why they shouldn’t be together, but they keep being drawn to each other. The attraction and love between them is electric.

I love this book as it answers so many questions from the first book. All of the Easter eggs and set ups are tied in nicely.

Leila James has done another fantastic job at bringing these two characters to life and they are up there with my favourite couples.

If you want angst, a HEA and lots of plot twists, then this is a must read

[Heather Garcia-Abney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and amazing

This was an intense sequel to the amazing story of love, loss, drama and a thrilling story that I would recommend

[Laura Kendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhhhh I loved the second in this duet!! All the questions and mystery were answered and Xander & Scarletts relationship just grew and I felt all the feels! I loved them together soooo much! Their connection was just undeniable and their steamy scenes were 🔥! I can’t wait to read the next one about Daphne! Loved this series so far 😍

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read my review for the other book to refresh myself. I'm thankful I actually gave myself a summary in that review, so I'm going to do it again here.

***SPOILERS***SPOILERS***SPOILERS***

The book begins exactly where the other one ended. Scarlett is naked in Xander's bed and trying to find her food. Leila James acknowledged the abruptness of Xander's decision, something I had been thrown by when reading the first book. Scarlett was just as confused. I like that moment and that the "out of left field-ness" of the situation is addressed.

I really understand Scarlett's reaction to the situation. It feels familiar, like an unhealthy way I would cope with a situation I couldn't fully comprehend. So, she runs home, isolates, then ignores/avoids. For me, that's so relatable. Not healthy, but relatable.

How does one ignore the breaking of their heart? Investigate the mystery of who Scarlett's father is, that's how. Between the mystery of who daddy is and why he wasn't around, and the raging desires of Scarlett and Xavier for one another, I was plenty entertained by this book.

I know I said spoilers but I genuinely don’t want to give anything major away. I will say, the questions the first book raises do get answered in this book. So expect closure. This book does not end with a cliffhanger as the first book, “Savage Rose”, did. Xavier and Scarlett find an ending to their story, for better or for worse.

***SPOILERS END***SPOILERS END***SPOILERS END***

I would recommend this book. While the trope of bully romance doesn’t often appeal to me, I enjoyed how the author - Leila James - wrote the bully character to be redeemable. More often than not, I have a passionate dislike for one of the protagonists in bully/romance tropes. The only ending I picture for a happy ending is for there to be justice and/or genuine repentance. This book provided that for me.

The “Rosehaven Academy Series” does continue on, and I intend to read the other characters’ stories as well. I like this little world of prep-school elitism that Leila James has created. I’m invested. The characters, even Aria, intrigue me and make me want to know more.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Savage Rose. More is revealed around the life of Scarlett. She has fallen madly in love with Xander. He pushes her away to protect her and others in his family. Their magnetic pull keeps them together as they piece together more secrets and lies

[Ashley Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I read this book from beginning to end in one sitting. I love this bully-romance series. This book was more than just a bully-romance, there was also some mystery kind of like CLUE. Where you have to find out who did. In the book you are reading about love and using your sleuthing skills to find out who is harassing and trying to hurt Scarlett (RED). This book has it’s secrets like the game CLUE but in the end the secrets are revealed and the bad guy is uncovered. This book was exciting and was like a roller coaster, you didn’t know where you were going next. Yet it kept you enthralled in the entire book until the end. Scarlett the thorn is so FIERCE, yet someone you feel as if you know personally. What she goes through pulls at your heart strings. She is not afraid to stick up for herself and go after what she wants. Xander the Rose is MR. HOTNESS overload. He makes you want to punch him one second for the way he treats Scarlett, yet grab his shirt and kiss him passionately the next. He is a big ol’ softy underneath his tough exterior and isn’t afraid to show it to his THORN. The relationship between Xander and Scarlett has its moments of utter anguish and plays heavily on both of their hearts throughout the book until the very surprising happy ending. The major surprise of the entire book was Scarlett finally learning who her dad is Sebastian, who finally takes responsibility for his parentage and helps Xander save the day. This book was extremely addictive and I am so happy to have read it. Bring on the next books in the series, because I cannot wait.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Xander and Scarlett.

After the jaw dropping cliffy of book 1, I was dying to find out exactly what the fuxk Xander was playing at, he was acting like a real A-hole. I needed to understand why he behaved that way, as it was obvious he cared for Scarlett.

This story was angsty and addictive, It was full of twists and turns, ugly truths and revelations, the walls of Rosehaven Academy hide a lot of secrets that are waiting to be revealed. No matter who tries to keep them buried, the truth always comes out in the end.

I absolutely loved Xander, yes I wanted to slap him at times but that's why he appealed so much. Bad boys with layers to strip away, always lure me in. I love seeing them crumble for the right girl, and Scarlett is the one for Xander.
I loved these two together....Gah!! they are so freaking hottttt!

I'm excited to see who's next in series, Rosehaven Academy has some fantastic characters I'm dying to know more about.
I'm so happy to have found this new author and series, if you're a fan of a good High School bully romance then you'll love this series, it's fantastic....bring on book 3.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd part of this exciting and thrilling duet, and Xander and Scarlett’s journey continues. After that cliffhanger I just had to devour the 2nd novel in one sitting. Xander with his hot and cold attitude had my head spinning, but he certainly redeems himself and is such a great character who shows his sweet, loving, and caring side. Scarlett is so feisty and is no pushover, she will stand up for what she believes in. This talented author weaved this story in such a way that I was on tenterhooks throughout, and I had no clue who could be trusted and who not. This is a well written flawless story which is an emotional roller coaster, and is intense, twisted, thrilling, entertaining, and with suspense, friendships, and love, which all leads to a steamy and all-consuming addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Stephanie Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have been waiting for the conclusion to Savage Rose by Leila James, you don't have to wait any longer.

Book 1 left us with quite the cliffhanger and many questions. Who is paying for Scarlett's scholarship and who has been sending her those odd text messages?

Scarlett is confused by Xander. Does he want to be with her or does he want to push her away? What does he know about her father and what is he hiding?

Xander knows he needs to stay away from Scarlett. The things he knows will hurt too many people. But he's drawn to her like a moth to a flame. The more he pushes her away, the harder he pulls her back.

What will it take for them to resolve and answer all the odd things going on. And who will get hurt in the process?

[Debbie Ohrem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tainted Rose is the sequel to Savage Rose and takes place right where it’s prequel ends. It’s hard to say a lot without giving anything away BUT all our questions and then some are answered in this book. Lots of twists/turns and plenty of steam... I totally went to the wrong high school by the way lol. An excellent book for sure!

[Lisa Kniceley · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW comes to my mind first !!! The first book on this series left me up in the air with its cliff hanging ending !!! I wasnt sure what to expect after the very last sentence of the first book. So glad I read the second book and look forward to the next. Wonderful characters and now I dont hate the leading male character !!! You must read this series, you wont regret it at all !!! ❤❤❤

[Dfox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go ahead and take a day off or even a night to your self! This book is addictive! I couldn’t put it down and was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The chemistry between these two....smokin hawt. It is a must read for sure! I can not wait for more books to come out from Leila James.

[Jennifer Beegle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love a redhead heroine! All fire and fight! And these 2 books don’t disappoint!! Scarlett will feel like your best friend. And Xander?? Swoon... You will love him, hate him, and secretly wish you had one of him at your high school.. I am anxiously awaiting more from the Rosehaven Academy.

[Lynda E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I’m always looking for a HEA in a relationship challenged with challenges tied to mystery and unsuspecting twists. I like the alpha male characters and this book offered that as well.

[MCrawDRKRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I liked this book less than the first. The secrets we were waiting to be revealed in this book were painfully obvious. There were definitely no surprises there...unfortunately. The story is written well overall it just needs some more brainstorming to make it better and not so predictable.

[Romana Navy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Finish!

It was worth the wait for this sequel! All the questions got answered and there is to be more books in this series! Can't wait!