What’s an intelligent, educated woman to do when her rich and powerful father insists that she marry someone completely repulsive to her? Author Jaid Black gives us her premise on this scenario with Adam & Evil, one of the White Hot Holiday reads from Ellora’s Cave.

Julia Cameron is ready to marry, but she isn’t interested in the shrewd, bossy man her equally bossy father has chosen for her. Samuel Ian Adam knows his employer wants him to court his daughter but isn’t interested in the overtly business-like woman so different than the submissive type that usually turns him on. But during the Christmas season, Samuel ends up obliged to escort Julia home for the holidays. Their plane crashes and the pair find themselves stranded on a deserted island. Alone together, Julia and Sam discover sensuous passions brew and foment just beneath the surface of their otherwise clashing personalities.

Despite the not-so-original concept of this storyline, Adam & Evil had some sultry scenes. Samuel was a complex guy regardless of his sharkish professional agendas, and sexy in that I-didn’t-see-it-coming way. Julia’s professional exterior was slick, almost to the point of being archetypal. The author could have fleshed out Julia’s personality and made the conflict both juicy and convincing. Despite this, the erotic elements are energetic and it was apparent the author tried hard to breathe new life into an otherwise predictable fantasy scenario.

My final verdict: author Jaid Black has a technical flair for erotica that shines despite the flaws of dynamics in this story. Adam & Evil by Jaid Black is a quick romp sure to tantalize readers looking for a fiery read during the holiday season or at any other time.

Reviewed by Laurie
© February 2008