Jaid Black Strictly Taboo

Strictly Taboo

Jaid Black

Berkley, Dec 2005, $13.00

ISBN: 0425202453

"Naughty Nancy". Nancy Lombardo vows to be the belle of the Halloween party as she has lost weight, shed the spectacles, and will hide her brain behind Xena Warrior Woman. An ancient looking crone comes out of nowhere frightening Nancy predicting a long journey. Something weird occurs and she finds herself lost and naked in the home of Vorik Fa Vader. He expects his yenni "guest" to make love 24/7 gargoyle style.

"Nemesis". For thirteen years Diane Sullivan tried to make it as an actress in Hollywood, but failed. What hurts as much is fellow Buckeye Garek Ennis, a bully, made it big in football. Now that is water under the bridge, her first concern is now her six years old daughter Jenna, whose father rejected her before she was born. For her is why Diane is on the Rhine about to earn money and perhaps have sex on the Carnal Voyage. Garek is on board too feeling self-pity as his career is over. Then he sees Diane.

"Barbarian". In 878, when the Northmen attack their Wessex keep, Lothar Godeuart leads the counter attack but dies in the ensuing battle. His sister Lady Elen loathes the Vikings who are divided over this attack. Warlord Amund prefers settling with is people in Mercia as part of the deal with King Alfred, but agrees to help Ivar get his "love slave" Lady Elen, who he holds culpable for traitorous acts against him. Instead Amund wants Elen at his side as his equal even though she belongs to Ivar who makes her feel like a woman.

These are three torrid tales that are dramatically different from one another, but showcase the vast talent of a wonderful author.

Harriet Klausner