Taboo: A Novel of Forbidden Sensual Delights [Paperback]

Fallon Gilchrist, a young Boston widow residing in the country, receives a note from a dear friend, Anna, who is a sophisticated woman of the world: "Darling - You've been cooped up alone in the middle of nowhere for far too long. I am arriving to relieve your tedium. And bringing along a very big surprise. Love and kisses."

Fallon is an artist, a painter, who is sexually repressed. Her dearly departed was as cold in life as he is in death. Poor man! Anna's surprise is Montague Bridgeman, "handsome," "brooding," "haunted," "worldly-wise," "jaded"....these are Ms. Lawless' adjectives, not mine. Anyway, back to the Gilchrist country home where we discover that Anna bid on Montague at the Boston Women's Auxiliary fund raising auction and won. Why does it seem strange that the 19th century Boston Women's Auxiliary would be auctioning off a potential love slave - publicly?? She is donating him to Fallon for one week for anything and everything. Fallon decides to paint him, on canvas. I don't think they had edible paint in those days. He decides to awaken her. Both succeed. If it matters, I am not clear on the period in which the novella is set. I would place it at the turn of the 20th century.

As erotica, "Taboo: A Novel of Forbidden Sensual Delights" may contain delights, but as far as taboo goes, I am a 21st century lady...or woman. There's minimal storyline and the erotica is typical - or same old, same old. If and when I pick up an erotic novel or short stories, I want something special. Otherwise, I'd rather read a spicy romance, and there are plenty on the market. As authors of erotica, I prefer Emma Holly (Black Lace Series), Susannah Indigo ("Oysters Among Us"), Susie Bright, Laura Reese, Robin Schone, Beatrice Small, or check-out www.ellorascave.com/ for excellent women's erotica selections. You can purchase their books in paper from Amazon. Enjoy browsing.
JANA

This book is steaming from the first chapter until the last page. I couldn't put it down. I have read Ms. Lawless' "Unmasked" and loved it. This book is just as good if not better. If you enjoy good erotica, you'll want to add this book to your collection.

I read this book in a matter of hours! The premise of a master lover at a the disposal of a young, sexually repressed, unfulfilled widow for seven days and seven nights provides an excellent context for this fantasy. This is less of a love story, and more a story of lovemaking, and how the experience of it can lead to more.

This story has a basic element to it that is simply sexual. It was, at times, surprisingly graphic. I would have liked to read more about the main characters beyond where they were at the end of the book.