The sex scenes are well written but they segue quickly into scenes that involve children that, while not sexual, is off-putting. This read is definitely not for those who are content with vanilla intimacy!

I’ve been fascinated by the increased interest (judging by sales and the numbers of books available in the genre) in ‘erotic romance’ books. That’s what they’re calling this … “An Erotic Romance Anthology.” But as I’ve said before… ‘erotic romance’ seems to be nothing more than a ‘polite’ way to say “porn.” After all, women wouldn’t want to read porn … right? And most men would rather admit to reading an erotic romance than a porn novel, right?

I don’t request these types of books very often, though I certainly could, judging by how many titles are available through my advance reading copy resources. I pick them somewhat randomly and fully admit that I don’t really have a very good handle on what I will be getting until I start reading. Too Taboo sounded interesting since it didn’t seem to me that there were many things that were considered taboo in this genre. And with three longer stories included, I figured it was a good way to get some variety.

The first story, “Absolve Me” by Morgaine Cameron, was quite interesting and well written. Here a sex therapist who works as a sexual surrogate accepts a new client from a fellow therapist. She isn’t told too much about him except that he’s struggling with sex and sexuality. She takes him through a session, gaining more fulfillment and enjoyment herself than she allows herself for work, to discover that his issue stems from his being a priest. He’s trying to decide if giving up sex for the priesthood is the right thing for him. Shocking! But it doesn’t stop her from continuing her education for him. In fact she brings out some strong fantasies of his, which include strong dominating of his partner.

But suddenly he stops and though she’d fallen quite madly in love with him, she realizes he must have decided to commit to the priesthood. When her fellow therapist recommends another client, she doesn’t want to take anyone on, but the friend insists and when the new client appears … ta da! … it’s the priest, who is willing to give up the priesthood and serve his god in other ways, because the sexual bond (pun intended) between them was so great!

“Twice as Hard” by Amber Bardan throws a lot of curve balls at the reader and we’re never quite sure where the story is going until the end … and even then …?

I don’t want to give too much away for those who might actually want to read the story (the stories are available from the publisher separately as well as in this anthology), though this was my least favorite of the trio. Suffice it to say that a woman is dominated by two men.

Domination … ah … I see the recurring theme. But domination doesn’t seem ‘taboo’ any more. It’s become rather prevalent, though I suppose it’s still not considered completely acceptable even among consenting adults.

Although the language in “Absolve Me” is graphic and blunt, it somehow seemed harsher and more jarring in “Twice as Hard.”

The final selection is “Seduction Squad: Captured” by Amanda Stewart. This story seemed the most laughable (yes, more than the seduction of a priest) as a female spy who has been captured is being interrogated by the hunky enemy officer. She’s known to be a part of the ‘seduction squad’ – a team of women well-known for their sexual prowess and ability to turn the strongest man’s legs to jelly by finding his deepest most secret fantasy and toying with him. But she’s been captured, surely she can’t use her wiles against a big, strong man … right?

Do you see where this is going? But which one of them will be the more satisfied? The captured, tied-up woman, or the man who dreams of the captured, tied-up woman?

The book, I believe, does what it intends to do. It helps some readers to experience certain ‘taboo’ sexual fantasies, vicariously. Some moments were indeed sexually exciting, though I imagine I’m a little too ‘vanilla’ for this taboo series. But I’m still fascinated by the idea that we can call porn by another name – erotica – and it’s suddenly more acceptable. But I’ll admit that this is a case where having a Kindle is of great relief because no one had a clue what I was reading, and I wanted to keep it that way!

Looking for a good book? Too Taboo is an anthology of ‘erotic romance’ stories for those with a dominant/submissive kink.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fantastic anthology!

Each story was well written and told us the story smoothly and at a great pace that made this a quick and great read.

The scenes were hot, hot, hot! You sensed the chemistry and the actions that they made. It was clear and concise of what the authors were portraying.

Of course there was drama and angst to give the stories some spice!

Dive in and enjoy!

Fun and entertaining! A great anthology for romance lovers! Sexy and sensual, this was an amusing book!

A few good stories in this one, but some not worth the cost of buying this

It wasn't until I was on the last of these three stories that I realized it had a fantasy theme. All the characters were living out some erotic fantasy they have, and as if it wasn't hot enough already I think that realization shot it up so much. There's something about the idea of living out one's fantasy that really appeals to me. It's a lost of inhibitions, 'this is who I am and this is what I want to be;' if just for that moment.
It's about letting yourself go like there's no tomorrow. It's about escape from the usual. I've said this before about erotic romances, but that's the point to stories like this, to go somewhere you've only dreamed of, or maybe never even imagined.

Each author did an amazing job of bringing her own view of what can be to this book.

This anthology was about fantasies, specifically with taboo themes. I wasn’t sure if I wasn’t going to like it as the themes are a bit “more” than I’d typically read. Plus most taboo stories don’t have plot and go way overboard. Luckily, none of these stories are like that. I really enjoyed them, even some of the parts that I was a little uncomfortable with. The writing was so good, I had to keep reading. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend.

A well written anthology by three very good authors. If you like fantasy in your schmexy reads then this is definitely for you. All three flow together that it feels like trilogy of sorts.

If you are looking for something very taboo...you've found it right here.

A solid 3.5 star book.

Too Taboo Anthology was wonderful. I wish there were more anthologies like this one! Page turner!

Thank you for this ARC. I liked that all three stories were quick and interesting reads. The first story with the priest was the most interesting and thought provoking.

I always find it hard to score anthologies but this is a solid 3.5 stars. There are three novella length stories around 40k, 32k, and 32k approximately. I can't remember exactly. The stories are fantasy based erotic romance. These means that some of the scenarios are "scenes" or pre-agreed fantasies acted out by the participants. Too Taboo in this case, indicates they may include forced seduction, rough sex, and dubious consent scenarios. They are included in the Carina Press Romance Promise which guarantees a HEA or HFN in case you are worried.

Absolve Me has an added Taboo. The hero is a priest although the heroine doesn't realise this at first. Dominic has requested a referral from his counsellor to Sexual Surrogate Liza to help him deal with some fantasies that are disturbing him and making him question his vocation. This is a bit of a fantasy for quite a few women, dating back to The Thornbirds and beyond. They say God takes the best and leaves us the rest.

While this had some very erotic scenes, there is plenty of attention given to the developing emotional relationship between Dominic and Liza and the ending is satisfying.

Twice as Hard is a menage romance with a strong fantasy element around capture and dubious consent. The characters were quite well rounded and both men were clearly distinct personalities. The smexy was slightly more explicit and language stronger than the first story. The ending was satisfactory.

The third story, Seduction Squad: Captured looks like the beginning of a series around a group of women (assumed but there could be men I imagine) who are spies, using their bodies to extract secrets from powerful men. The hero is a former child soldier from Zimbabwe with a suitable traumatic background. In this story, the action is turned around a little with the hero Jake appearing to be in control but Inge is no helpless heroine in distress. While there is an element of fantasy in this story, it is a little more real than the earlier two. The ending was satisfactory.

Overall the stories were well matched which makes for an evenly paced anthology. I found the stories engrossing. I requested a copy from Netgalley for an independent review.

Smutty and short, more likely to be a digital purchase than a physical book.

Three fast paced reads with great characters, entertaining stories and hot sex. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it!

I enjoyed the second and third stories but I couldn't even read the first. It's not that it was poorly written, it's just that the topic was far out of my comfort wheelhouse, I couldn't attempt.

This book had a lot going on with some great authors I have never read by but will in the future. Great storyline which I could get into an even greater characters. Was well written an would recommend to friends. Thanks for letting me read your book.

I have to say I have never read an anthology where all of the stories are great. Usually there are one or two that are so-so. This one - all three were excellent and I could not stop reading!

Absolve Me by Morgaine Cameron -
Totally hot with fantasy scenes being acted out as "therapy"! This read is dripping in sexuality and heat. Fair warning - there are triggers in this story and some religious irreverence that could be uncomfortable.

Twice as Hard by Amber Bardan -
Definitely loaded with triggers in this suspenseful hot story. Some people have great imaginations and this menage story is full of them. Super steamy!

Seduction Squad: Captured by Amanda Stewart -
Great character development and Super hot! This story takes crime to a new level and a few parts are kinda gruesome. Love the unique story and heat!

Overall, this one is a winner. A few interesting spots in the writing, but great quality writing and a lot of taboo going on!

it may be too taboo but it was good. A good set of hot stories.

Brilliant book! Loved all three stories, the authors took taboo subjects and wrote fantastic stories around the situations. Definitely would love to read another collection like this but maybe with more stories :)

With a title like Too Taboo you can expect some heat in this boxed set. The first story featured a sex surrogate and her new "client" that is struggling with his career choice and it's obligations. Second story is a menage with a slight hint of forced consent. The third story features a covert operative that specializes in seduction to get her information. Except this time she is the one that is being coerced for information. Overall, an enjoyable boxed set.

overall good read. I liked all three