This was an utterly engrossing book, heavy on the suspense and creepiness. While I was reading, I was completely drawn in by the characters and their actions. I think this is a testament to the quality of the writing, which I never found obtrusive (this is probably how I'd define what I like in a writing style-- effectively captures my attention while never forcing me to pay attention to the actual words).When I stopped reading, I found myself questioning the story. Did I find Holly realistic in her reactions to the events that unfolded? (yes) Was I convinced by Jack? (that answer kept changing over the course of the book, I'm still not certain now I'm finished with the book). These characters stayed with me, as did the secondary characters of Katy (the daughter, occasionally in danger of being more of a plot device than a person, but whose personality does come through), Henry (Holly's grandfather and support system, a crotchety but loving father figure), Anna (Holly's childhood best friend) and Billy (the deadbeat dad).I liked how the book was primarily told from Holly's point of view, but we'd get chapters that were glimpses inside other heads. I want to give this book a Warning: Child in Jeopardy label; since I know several people that would not want to read Tainted due to that aspect of the story. I found it disturbing, but that didn't stop me from liking the book. ( )

Good Read - slow to start

I initially thought this might be an average chick lit book, but it developed into a fairly good suspense novel. However, I found it difficult to believe that any caring mother would not be alarmed at the very clear "red flags" and protect her child accordingly. I also had to suspend disbelief at how quickly the romance developed and then went to marriage since Holly was a prudent, thoughtful woman with a child to consider. Also, how could so much activity take place in the middle of the night without Holly eventually realizing it? ( )

This was an utterly engrossing book, heavy on the suspense and creepiness. While I was reading, I was completely drawn in by the characters and their actions. I think this is a testament to the quality of the writing, which I never found obtrusive (this is probably how I'd define what I like in a writing style-- effectively captures my attention while never forcing me to pay attention to the actual words).When I stopped reading, I found myself questioning the story. Did I find Holly realistic in her reactions to the events that unfolded? (yes) Was I convinced by Jack? (that answer kept changing over the course of the book, I'm still not certain now I'm finished with the book). These characters stayed with me, as did the secondary characters of Katy (the daughter, occasionally in danger of being more of a plot device than a person, but whose personality does come through), Henry (Holly's grandfather and support system, a crotchety but loving father figure), Anna (Holly's childhood best friend) and Billy (the deadbeat dad).I liked how the book was primarily told from Holly's point of view, but we'd get chapters that were glimpses inside other heads. I want to give this book a Warning: Child in Jeopardy label; since I know several people that would not want to read Tainted due to that aspect of the story. I found it disturbing, but that didn't stop me from liking the book. ( )

I will warn you Tainted starts off slow, but my rule is 100 pages and by that time the story picks up and sucks you in!! The characters are all well developed and you can definitely feel for Holly and envision her overcoming all her problems. The writting once the author found her flow was beautiful and the rich detail to visuals....fantastic!!! I thought the story while flawed in some ways really flowed well mixing between Holly and the other characters. For sure a charming read watching one overcome inner stuggles. ( )