Back to the 80's

by S.E. Reichert

The 80s were the best decade and Blaine Reynolds is prepared to risk everything, including her heart, to prove it.

Blaine Reynolds is the owner of, “Back to the 80s” a novelty shop that her deceased mother passed on to her. Eric Morales is a developer who intends to destroy it to build a new brewery. In a desperate attempt to save what she holds most dear, she makes a bet with Eric that she just needs 30 days to prove to him why the 80s were totally rad and that her store is worth saving. He agrees with no intention of losing. As the month goes on, Blaine immerses Eric into a world of Cabbage Patch dolls, classic video games and neon. But the two soon realize there may be more at stake than either of them originally thought. Can they win the bet and still not lose their hearts to each other?

274 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2023

About the author

https://linktr.ee/sereichertauthor

Sarah Reichert (S.E. Reichert) is a writer, novelist, poet and blogger. She is the author of the Southtown Harbor Series and is a member and Assistant Youth Coordinator of the Writing Heights Writers Association. She is also the webmaster for WyoPoets. Her work has been featured in The Fort Collins Coloradoan, Haunted Waters Press, “Sunrise Summits: A Poetry Anthology”, “Rise: An Anthology of Change”, Poetry Ireland Review, and “We Are The West: A Colorado Anthology” among other journals across the country. Her novella, “Saturn Rising” was produced as a five-part audiocast from Ngano Press Studios, and she recently signed a 3-book contract with 5 Prince Publishing for release in 2023.

She is the head writer of The Beautiful Stuff, a blog about writing and fostering a creative and balanced life which aims to help new writers get their start. Reichert lives in Fort Collins with her family. In her non-writing hours, she is a mother to two teenage girls, loves being outdoors, and is a 2nd degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate JuJitsu.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Blaine Reynolds store Back to the 80s a retro memorabilia store with the rest of the Marshall Mall is in danger of going out of business due to Morales Constructions plan to build a new brewery in town, Blaine makes a bet with Eric Morales that she would bet him that her shop was worth saving. Will she succeed or is her plan and her heart stuck in a blast from the past? Read on and find out for yourself.

This was a pretty good Romantic comedy. If you enjoy the 80s and rom coms, then be sure to check this book out at your local library and wherever books and eBooks are sold.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book makes me wish i was born in the 80s. it was such a cute and quick read. I loved all the references to the 80s like the songs, different games and things that related to the 80s. I was actually surprised on how many of the 80 references I understood.

I really liked Eric‘s character. I think he was really kind and sweet and really cared about Blaine. I also really liked Blaine and how she owned the store to keep her mom’s dream alive.

I do wish there’s a little more character development in this book because I felt like it was kind of insta love. I know some people like this trope but it’s just not for me. I like a little bit more tension before the characters get together.

I do think this is the perfect read if you’re looking for something quick and lighthearted.

thank you so much 5 Prince publishing for sending me an arc copy of this book .

[Sarah Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable AND NOSTALGIC premise! I loved the ending and the main character was pure joy!

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I LOVED every page of this book. I grew up in the 80's and can I say I love how the authors brought me back to simpler times of neon colors, aquanet, Journey and brat pack movies. This is a very enjoyable a bit of enemies to lovers rom-com with some drama, laugh out loud moments and so much nostalgia. I very highly recommend this book, espeically to anyone who loved growing up in the 80s.

Blaine Reynolds wants to keep her mother's legacy and honor her by having her shop "Back to the 80s" remain open, even when the threat of tearing down the mall where the shop is located at to build a new brewery and behind it all is Morales Construction. Blaine fights hard to keep her shop afloat, but with the likes of Eric Morales, hoping that a bet of 30 days, he may change his mind. What Blaine did not expect was the more she got to know Eric personally, her walls came down and saw so much more to him than just his need to tear down the mall for a new business.

Eric Morales wants to make his father proud and make partner at his family Morales Construction Company by closing a deal to tear down a local mall to make a new business venture. What Eric does not expect is to lose to a bet with Blaine to try and fight and keep her nostalgic shop. Eric is all work and no play, but once he gets to know Blaine on a deeper level.....feelings come into play, his attraction to Blaine becomes undeniable.

Will Eric and Blaine be able to see eye to eye on a decision that may impact them both on different levels?

I loved this story so much and this was such a fun book book to read. I felt like I was back in time growing up and reminiscing the good times that the 80s brought.

[Kerry carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers rom-com. The author did an amazing job with this book with added elements that makes it stand apart from other enemies to lovers stories. The characters were well written and relatable and you feel totally invested in their story. The connection between Blaine and Eric was interesting to watch grow and develop. But for me the main thing i adored was the flash back to the 80s. There was so much nostalgia that it made me want to get my leg warmers out and neon bangles out. This story made me smile, and laugh out loud in parts. I love the fight and determination Blaine has to save her store and her mother's legacy.

Blaine has a very unique store in a shopping mall. Her story in my dream place as it sells everything you can imagine from the 80s. From toys and games to fashion and music Blaines store has it all. It was passed down to her after her mother passed away and she is determined to make it successful. It goes well until the shopping mall is sold to a construction company who wants to redevelop the area and that means moving Blaines shop.
When Blaine makes a bet with Eric (the son of the development company) does she stand any chance of saving her store? And if she wins what will that mean for Eric? Can he really pick her over the demands of his family? Could Blaine actually be the one to show him there is more to life than work? What happens as they spend time together and their connection grows.
This was such a sweet funny nostalgic story that I loved every second of it.

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to the 80s reminded me of why I am so thankful I was a teenager during that time. It was a wonderful time. I am a little biased, but I still think it was a great time!!!

Blaine is the owner of a novelty shop that specializes in all things the 80s that was left to her by her mother. She has worked tirelessly to keep her mother’s legacy alive. Eric Morales is a developer that has his sights on destroying the building that houses Blaine’s store to open a new brewery. When these two meet, the sparks fly, both in a good way and not so good way. In order to save her store, she makes a bet with him. She has 30 days to change his mind and show him what a great decade the 80s really was. As these two spend more time together, that tiny spark that is now developing into so much more. Hopefully, they can find a way to not only find a business compromise but also find a way to their own HEA!

This was such a quirky read in every possibly good way! I was a teenager during the 80s, so I LOVED all the references to that decade! It encompassed all the things that made that time such a great one!!! The secondary characters just added to the story itself as well! Like all the great 80s romantic movies, this book also had an EPIC ending!!! If you are looking for a sweet, quirky romance, you can’t go wrong with this one!!!

[Kayla Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to the 80s: Blaine runs an 80s themed shop, full of nostalgic treasures. When she finds out that the Morales Group is going to tear down the building, she makes a bet with the young scion, Eric. If she can convince him the shop is worthwhile, the building stays. As they go on outings together, they both start to catch feelings. Can Eric balance loyalty to his family and his new love?

What a fun book! The main characters are well developed, the dialog is amazing, and there a a few lines I’ve been laughing about for a week. A wonderful romcom! This is an enemies-to-lovers story, but I appreciated that the enemy part didn’t last that long. This is my favorite romance trope, but it was still refreshing to see Blaine and Eric recognize their feelings and give into them so quickly. It is nice to not sit through a slow burn sometimes! Get to the kissing!

Blaine and Eric are very human. They are both trying to figure out what they want their lives to look like, and in a way, who they are living their lives FOR. Eric in particular is struggling with this, and Blaine encourages him to really examine his dreams and seek fulfillment. I love seeing supportive relationships like this. And Eric’s whole family benefits from Blaine’s point of view, which was really wonderful. His sister’s storyline in particular was…perfect.

I am…not young. But I grew up with a really cool, young mom. Unlike Blaine, I WAS born in the 80s and so I also grew up watching the same teen romcoms and listening to the same music Blaine did. My mom was a little more, let’s say alternative, than Blaine’s mom, but I could only think of my mom while reading this book.

Thank you LibraryThing and 5 Prince Publishing for the ARC!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan

Back to the 80’s Contemporary Romance that once I started reading I couldn’t put it down until I finished. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to be looking into what other books they have written. I was pulled in from the beginning and found myself rooting for Blaine and the other shop owners. The characters are relatable, fully developed and creative yet made me feel like I was apart of the story. Blaine owns a fun novelty shop that her deceased mom passed on to her called “ Back to the 80s “. Then there’s Eric who is a developer who works for his family’s construction company the one that has plans for the mall where Blaine’s shop is. She comes up with a plan that will give her some time thirty days to be exact to convince Eric that the 80’s were rad and why he shouldn’t tear down her shop. These two have an attraction but can they win the bet without losing their hearts in the process? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I feel like I've taken a walk back through time with this novel! I had so much fun reading about Blaine's store with all her retro clothing, clothes, music, and more! It's the kind of store I'd visit and spend hours in just remembering the "good ole days" of my childhood.

Blaine inherited this awesome store from her mother and she's super proud of all her accomplishments with it. One day, JT, the hairstylist next door in the strip mall, comes to deliver some bad news though. The mall has been bought and is scheduled for demolition. Everyone must be out and there's not much time.

Blaine, not one to back down from a challenge, makes a point to be present when the land developer crew walks through for a final inspection. Eric is in awe of her store but is really gunning for that title of partner in the family business. After meeting Blaine, Eric isn't so sure about these plans now. Then Blaine issues a bet that Eric can't pass up.

This is a fun read that transported me back in time, even if just for a few hours. I loved all the references to the time honored traditions of the 80's and even had a few great memories myself reliving this fun era of time.

[Audrie Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I LOVED this book! I was a kid in the 80’s and I loved every single page. There was so much talk of 80’s movies, music, toys, and games that it took me back to my childhood. The main character, Blaine, is lovable from the beginning. She is an independent and strong business owner who has made some great friends with the other shop owners in her strip mall. She runs a shop that belonged to her mom and that she grew up in that was dedicated to all things 80’s. The strip mall is supposed to be bought by a huge construction company so they can build a new brewery. When she meets one of the Morales clan she thinks he is an intern, not the one in charge. Eric Morales is hoping this job, his first big job on his own, goes smoothly so he can become a partner in the family company. Eric and Blaine end up making a bet - she needs to convince him that her company is worth saving and she only has one month. Blaine ends up planning some really fun 80’s outings to convince Eric, but it is hard to keep it just business as they start hanging out and getting to know each other. 5 stars!

[Robin Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to the 80s

The title alone drew me to this book and when I saw who the author was I knew without a doubt I needed to read it.

As someone who grew up in the 80's the little references took me back to a time when the responsibilities of being an adult didn't weight so hard on me. Rainbow Brite, Cabbage Patch Kids (mine was named Heather Dawn), Strawberry Shortcake, Pac-Man and of course the awesome hair band are just a few things mentioned that made me smile.

I do love that she is named Blaine and even as young as she is she loved and appreciated everything from the 80's and the connection she had to her Mom through the store.

From the beginning I didn't want to like Eric because he is a developer who takes the places we love and live and either destroy it or make the cost of housing more than an average person can afford. But I was charmed by him when he met Blaine at the store.

I loved the book, characters and the happy memories that came back. Thanks for reminding of the good old days!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it is safe to say that this book is nostalgia at its finest! Back to the 80s is a fun, nostalgic rom-com that brought back a lot of memories of the good times! If you grew up in the 80s and early 90's or just have a love for the past, this is a fun reminder of how awesome that time period was! Blaine has inherited her mom's shop, which happens to be a novelty shop showing love to the 1980s. Eric is a local developer with big plans of demolishing her shop to build a brewery. Is there anyway Blaine convince Eric that her shop is worth saving?
This is definitely a sweet rom-com that had me ready to watch some of those awesome 80s films. The characters of Blaine and Eric are well developed and give off the not friends but could be something more aesthetic. Blaine had a way of showing that she is strong willed with strong opinions and is independent. She is ready to fight for the business that she loves and isn't going to let Eric stand in the way. Kudos to the authors for such a fun, nostalgic book! I can't wait to read future books by SE Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan.

[Ashley Mertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert / Kerrie Flanagan is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review

Back to the 80s totally won me over! As an 80’s baby, I just had to read this book. The title and the front cover alone had me hooked. This was my first time reading a novel written by these authors and I do not regret a single moment of it. Blaine and Eric stole my heart. Blaine had such passion for her mother’s store and memorabilia. She was also quickly falling in love with Eric. She had to figure out the best way to allow both to exist in her life despite the plans Blaine’s family had for her future. I loved how sincere Eric was. He came from a rich family, and his sister was a real snob, but Eric was determined to be his own soul. I enjoyed the fact that the relationship between these two characters was genuine and not forced, it slowly progressed. The novel had a great plot and didn't solely revolve around the romance building between the two. I highly recommend this book to all the 80s babies out there looking for a quick easy to read romance.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what my weekend needed! Blaine wants so badly to save the 80s novelty shop her mom started by making a month-long bet with Eric, it's his family's construction company coming in to tear down the strip mall the shop calls home to make way for a new brewery. With the bet, she has bought herself a month to prove to him how special the shop is. The chemistry between the two is evident from their first meeting, when they first strike up the bet, and only continues to grow during their meetings as Blaine attemps to show Eric how special the 80s were and why they deserve a place in the present. This is an adorable read and you can't help but be charmed by how quickly you watch Eric fall while he becomes increasingly conflicted by the role his family is playing in Blaine's non-avoidable future.

Thank you to S.E. Reichert, Kerrie Flnagan and 5 Prince Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to the 80s
By: S.E. Reichart and Kerrie Flanagan


This is the sweetest story I have read in a while. Blaine is a sweet protagonist. I love how involved and invested she was in the store. She definitely wants to keep her mother alive. Eric was an interesting character to me. He came in the way I fully expected him to, ready to take over the store for his own interests. However, their bet was so fun and cute. I loved their banter and how they slowly started to gain more of an interest for each other. This plot was legitimately super sweet and really this was the perfect book to read after I had just finished reading several suspense stories. I loved the way that the story made me feel and I was literally just happy as I was reading this. I definitely recommend reading this story, if for no other reason than to see who will win their bet.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to the 80s is a fun, nostalgic rom-com. If you grew up in the 80s or love the past, this is a fun reminder of what was great then. Blaine has inherited her mom's shop, a novelty shop showing love for all things 1980s. Eric is a local developer who plans to demolish her shop to build a brewery. Can Blaine convince Eric that her shop is worth saving?
This is a sweet rom-com that has me wanting to dive into some great 80s films. The characters of Blaine and Eric are good contrasts that help develop from enemies to something much better. I like Blaine because she has strong opinions and is independent. She is there to fight for the business that she loves and isn't mooning over Eric. There are no twists and turns or anything outrageous, but due to the nostalgic tone, I enjoyed the book. I will be looking for more from this author in the future.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable and entertaining contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. According to Blaine Reynolds, owner of the novelty shop “Back to the 80’s”, the 80s were the best decade ever, and she’s prepared to risk everything to prove it. When developer Eric Morales plans to destroy her late mothers shop in order to build a new brewery, Blaine makes a bet with him. That she just needs 30 days to prove to him why the 80’s were ‘totally rad’ and why her store is worth saving. Neither Blaine or Eric intend to lose the bet, but neither of them expected that they may lose their hearts. This was a lighthearted enemies to lovers romance with likeable and relatable characters in Blaine and Eric. The story was full of popular items from the 80’s, including Cabbage Patch dolls and classic video games, giving it a nostalgic feel, which I enjoyed.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was such a fun story, with quite a nostalgic element for me. I was a teenager in the 80’s and some of my best memories are associated with those years- so this book triggered me, but in a great way.
Back to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan is a fun romantic comedy- a bit of an enemies-to-lovers romance with opposites attract, humour, a touch of drama, a taste of the 80’s, and some sweet cheesiness that gave this book added ‘personality’.
Blaine Reynold’s inherited shop comes under threat from property developer Eric Morales whose planned brewery is set to demolish her dreams. What happens makes for an entertaining read.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan!

[La Toya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to the 80’s by S. E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan. This book is a fun little Rom-Com about Blaine the owner of the shop Back to the 80’s and Eric a developer that wants to develop the mall where her store is located. This is a story with a cute plot and sweet characters. Blaine convinces Eric to give her 30 days to show him how awesome the 80’s are and takes on a fun, nostalgic little ride. I really enjoyed all the 80’s references from my childhood. Blaine and Eric have wonderful chemistry. They are both lovely characters and you know reading the story that they won’t be able to resist falling in love. This is a quick and fun read. You won’t be able to resist the nostalgia and the cuteness.

[Rebeca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this book as soon as I saw it and knew I had to read it. I was born in the 90s so unfortunately missed out on the 80s and experiencing all the media (music etc.) I love first hand. This book almost made me feel nostalgia that I didn’t even have the ‘right’ to.

This was a brilliant and fun rom com to read with a great plot and wonderful characters, Eric and Blaine. There was plenty of cheese and not in a cringey way – I love a bit of good cheesy fun!

This book reminded me of the enemies-to-lovers, developer enters the scene to destroy a small business Hallmark film. I cannot get enough of these types of films, so I automatically couldn’t put this book down, it absolutely required my full attention!

[Enisha Washington-reaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a feel-good book that will give you nostalgia, laughs, and make you go searching for a classic 80's album, then this book is for you!

Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan is all about Blaine Reynolds, the owner of, “Back to the 80s”, a novelty shop that her late mother left to her and Eric Morales, a developer who intends to destroy it to build a new brewery.

I loved the fact that the characters seemed real, flawed, and nuanced while keeping all the fun of a romance.

I might be biased because I'm an 80's baby, but this was such a fun read that brought me back to my early childhood. Go grab some bright colored leggings, tease your hair, and buckle up for this fun nostalgic ride.

Happy Reading!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading some heavier texts, this one did not disappoint- a lighthearted romcom type book that had a succinct plot, likable characters, and an interesting premise (I grew up mostly in the '90s, but was familiar with many of the 80's references in the book).

My favorite part was the character development. Oftentimes, one or both of the couple falls flat for me, but that was not the case with Blaine and Eric. They were both well rounded and irritable at times, but a likable irritable. I also liked the juxtaposition of the two because they had such different upbringings yet found each other in an interesting way. I will read more from this author.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great romance read! This was the first time I read anything by these authors and I am so glad I did. The writing style really flowed and I enjoyed reading from Blaine and Eric’s point of view. Blaine is literally the perfect character in my opinion. She is positive and hopeful without being naive. When she makes a bet to save her store she is not expecting what comes with it, and neither is Eric. As they spend time together secrets are omitted that could turn the tables for the store Blaine loves so much. As the deadline nears things take an unexpected turn. I definitely enjoyed this contemporary romance and will be looking for more from either of these authors!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! The storyline was great and I loved the characters. In just one shop I was transported back to the 80’s and all the memories of things I or my family owned! I’m pretty sure I still have my cabbage patch doll somewhere! I love a good rom com story and this one was definitely one of my favourites! I could definitely imagine this book being made into a film – one I would definitely watch. There was definite instant attraction between Blaine and Eric, and although pretty fast it didn’t feel forced and I enjoyed seeing this evolve over the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it to other readers.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a Gen-X and living through the 80's, I loved the story and reminiscing about the items and references throughout. The story is quite funny. The two primary characters have spark and need a little bit to realize it. My family thought I was losing it from my giggling through the story, from Eric's sister being called names by the karate instructor to Eric splashing Blaine outside the restaurant and then acting innocent. This story is very entertaining and full of humor. Watching these two work through things is quite satisfying. It's a wonderful story and well worth reading.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun and entertaining story. It is an enemies to lovers Romance but had a much more relaxed and most than most books of this type do. The main characters had such a great connection. I loved watching their relationship build as the book went on.
This is a well written book that draws you in. I found myself chuckling away a few times while reading the book and I connected with thr characters so easily. This was a great book to pass an afternoon away and I would highly recommend it.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Eric's company is set to tear down the mall that Blaine's store, Back to the 80s, is set in, they make a bet. If she can convince him of her store's worth, she will get to keep it, and the mall by default.
Opinion
Perfect for the title, this book follows the basic 80s movie plot with the over the top apology at the end. I loved it. Parts of it were cheesy but that is something I would expect out of the 80s. This book was a great read. I would love to read the story through Loraine's eyes and see her relationship with the karate master.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read for an 80's kid! Brought back so many memories! The story is a cute rom com. Blaine and Eric find themselves in a situation that pits them against each other. I really liked how Blaine problem solved her way to saving her 80's novelty shop from Eric's deconstruction plan. Taking him on a trip back in time not only piqued his interest in her story and her, but it brought back so many memories for me! The 80's were a great time!
I recommend this if you are looking for a sweet story that has great voice and good pacing with the romance, humor and fun throughout!

[Jules Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I loved being a teenager in the 80s and this book brought it all back to me making me very nostalgic but oh so damn happy!! I loved it! Blaine inherited her mothers store that has all things 80s and when developers buy the mall it is in and wants to take it all away she comes up with a very interesting bet that Eric, one of the developers, simply can't pass up and that's where all the fun begins. I really needed this fun read at the moment and I thank this very talented author for adding some laughter and light to my life with her creative storylines and wonderful characters!

[Rayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rom com with a taste of the best era!
Back to the 80s is an awesome trip down memory lane. Blaine Reynolds is a great character who loves the 80s and owns a shop to prove it. Eric is a business man with an agenda to keep. What follows is an emotional comedy of errors and discovery of what is most important. This is well written, with characters I was totally invested in and imagery of an era that I loved. Highly recommend.