In the story “Barbarian” Lady Elen of Godeuart has been taken captive by Ivar. At one time these two were betrothed but Elen is not aware of this and when Ivar makes a claim to her she thinks he is out of his mind. But what happens when Elen starts to feel something for her Viking master?

In the story “Nemesis” Diane needs to rethink her plans regarding her decision to take a cruise on the Rhine as waitress in the buff especially when her high school nemesis boards the ship. Now Diane needs to deal with Garek Ennis and the feelings he makes her feel.

In the story “Naught Nancy” Nancy Lombardo dresses up as Xena for a Halloween party but this is not just any kind of party. She is about to be swept off her feet by a witch and their destination is a planet that is not earth. And their mutual attraction is out of this world.

Sadly these three stories are only average and not what most readers expect from Ms. Black. There is very little romance and the execution of these stories leaves them stiff and instead of sizzling heat…the heat here fizzles. Ms. Black is capable of much better fare and if you are new to this talented author I encourage you to pick up some of her pervious titles.

If you are looking for something to warm up those cold winter days, this is an excellent bet. Other good bets: "Romantic Hedonism" and "Menage".

Barbarian
Set in Wessex 878 AD, Lady Elen of Godeuart is shocked and horrified when her mighty family stronghold is attacked by heathen Northmen. When her father and brother fall and another is left seriously wounded, it seems the Keep will be taken until Elen takes defensive measures, a result of which kills a third of the Viking raid party.
Lord Ivar Hrolf is determined to avenge the death of his men and vows to make Lady Elen his bed slave. This is however not the only reason he seeks vengeance; 5 years ago Elen's father Lord Asser Godeuart promised her hand in marriage to Ivar. Unfortunately Lord Asser used the betrothal to lay seige to the viking fortress, an act which ultimately led to his death.
Ivar succeeds in capturing Elen and making her his bed slave, never anticipating how involved his heart would become. When Elen escapes him to seek santuary with the man she believes herself betrothed to, Baron William Lenore, Ivar pursues her relentlessly, determined to have Elen back in his possession.

Nemesis
Diane Sullivan escaped her small town to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. 13 years later with stardom still not in sight, Diane decides it's time to relinquish her dream and find a home for herself and her 6 year old daughter Jenna. Desperate for money for a deposit for a home, Diane accepts $10,000 to become a crew member of "The Carnal Voyage" for 5 days. During this period she will remain completely naked and cater to any demand made by one of the paying male passengers. The job is bad enough as it is; however when pro footballer Garek Ennis boards, she desperately hopes her old high school nemesis won't recognise her.
At 17, Garek fell hard and heavy for Diane, and showed his feelings by constant teasing. Over a decade later Garek still thinks of her and finds himself comparing all woman with Diane and finding them lacking. He cannot believe prim little Diane is a member of the crew. At high school she wouldn't give him the time of day, and at least for the next 5 she has nowhere to run.

Naughty Nancy
Nancy Lombardo is ready for some fun following weight loss and a fabulous new make over. Dressed as Xena for a Halloween party, she is accosted by a "witch" who predicts she will travel far to find true love. She's not wrong!
When engulfed by a white powder, by the time Nancy's sneezing fit stops, she is amazed to discover herself stuck in a nest balancing precariously on an ice cap. Unable to escape she does the only thing she can think of and starts yelling for help.
Vorik Fa'l Vader has finally reached 18 yessat years (180 to us) officially making him a Barbarian, allowing him to capture and keep his own female yenni, dimwitted creatures whose only nourishment is a warrior's seed. Hearing the cry of a hungry alpha female, he finally finds Nancy asleep. Woken by Vorik's attempt to feed her *smile*, Diane is mesmerised by Vorik, an act which proves she is his Bloodmate. Nancy's coping well with her hunky new man until she starts to evolve, her last glimpse before a cocoon surrounds her is Vorik swooping through the air towards her, no longer a man but a silver skinned, winged gargoyle.

I had been looking forward to this book anyway; however when I heard the third story was "Naughty Nancy" I was over the moon, as this is the only Trek Mi Q'an I had yet to read. This story was first published some years ago in the EC anthology "Things that go bump in the night", a book seemingly impossible to get hold of despite my best attempts. "Strictly Taboo" is another cracking collection from JB and she again proves why she remains top of my favourite author list; her characters are great and each story positively sizzles. I cannot image fans of Jaid Black being left at all disappointed.