The Sweetest Taboo    by Carole Matthews Order:  USA  Can Avon, 2004 (2004) Softcover     Reviewed by Rashmi Srinivas Sadie Nelson and Gil McGann meet by chance at a London book fair. She's an English gal stuck in a series of low-end jobs, while he's a famous Hollywood producer. Though they have nothing in common save a deep attraction, a long distance relationship soon commences. At Gil's ardent request, Sadie flies to LA and from then things go downhill. For Gil forgot to mention one teeny, tiny fact ... that he already has a wife, albeit a chronically suicidal and unfaithful one. Disappointed but hopeful in light of Gil's plausible explanations, Sadie takes up a job, makes wonderful new friends and begins to experience the crazy, exciting and yet somewhat false life of LA. She also meets and develops a crush on gorgeous, jobless actor Tavis Jones. Unhappily she soon comes to realize that the handsome Tavis is gay. Gil's constant preoccupation with his career and wife and Tavis' continued unavailability leave this down-to-earth Londoner in an untenable situation. British author Carole Matthews has long been known for an impeccable sense of humor, style and wit. As always she delivers a nimble romantic comedy. Although light-hearted in style, the book has an element of pathos and shows Matthews' knack of dealing with subtly serious issues under the guise of humor. LA is seen through the eyes of the practical Brit Sadie in all its theatrical, shallow and sun-drenched glory. The romantic triangle creates many situations ripe for misunderstandings and hilarity. There is also an unexpected suspense which leaves readers tantalized until the very end. In short, Carole Matthews once again turns love and mayhem into a winning combination in The Sweetest Taboo. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Contemporary books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews