Forbidden relationships. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are a product of society. Others are a desire to protect oneself. Some are legally not right. Others just feel wrong. Though many romantic novels exist about bosses and employees falling for one another, in reality to have a relationship with a boss – or even a colleague – is frowned upon. One’s career may be in danger, or be perceived to have been fast-tracked, particularly in the case of women.

There is yet another level to forbidden relationships, those that the mind veers away from but when thought of bring forth a distinct "eeww" and shudder of distaste. You know the ones I’m talking about, surely. Familial sexual relationships (incest). I doubt most would disagree that they find the thought of family members engaging in sexual activity offensive and disgusting. Yet, with today’s society blended families are becoming increasingly part of the norm, and lines are being blurred. Is it all right for stepsiblings to fall for one another? They are not related, after all. Does whether they have been brought up as brother and sister make a difference? What of other ‘family members’ who have no biological link at all?

For myself, personally, I could countenance a relationship between stepsiblings who had not been brought up together as siblings. Take the hero and heroine in this tale, for instance. By the time Matt’s mother and Zoë’s father married, Matt had already left home. Both Matt and Zoë were closer to adulthood than childhood. Whether you find it acceptable for these two to fall in love is up to you, but if not, give this tale a wide birth. If so, then you’ll delight in this novella, which cleverly entwines the disapproval and judgment of others upon a complex, overlapping relationship.

Zoë Underwood has longed for Matthew Cantrell for many years and has finally come to the conclusion that she is in love with him. That they are stepsiblings makes no difference to her. After all, they are only related through marriage, not biology. Though aware that a relationship would be difficult between them, Zoë is determined to go after what she wants – Matt. Bridging the geological gap between them will be easier than overcoming Matt’s own hesitancies about getting involved with his stepsister, though. Will she manage it?

Matt left Auckland many years ago, fleeing the temptation his stepsister presented to him. He never dreamt that she’d follow him, just as it never occurred to him that he would come home from work to find her naked in his bed. Though his mind rebels against a relationship between them, his body has other ideas – as does his heart. The time has come for him to accept the love they share, yet he knows they face difficult times ahead. Will Matt be able to handle his friends’ reactions? Will his love for Zoë hold out against the censure and judgments of others?

Wild Child is a great novella that really draws in the reader. Before you know it you’ll be finished–but left wanting a whole lot more. Fabulously written and very appealing, the quality of this tale lives up to the Munro standard as presented in all other Munro tales. If you are a Munro fan I guarantee you’ll not be disappointed, though the style may be a little different to what you are used to.

I thoroughly enjoyed Wild Child I have read it twice in short order, LOL. I journeyed with Matt and Zoë as they overcame their own uncertainties, and then moved on to confront society’s censorship, presenting a united front. The depth of their feelings for each other comes across strongly to the reader, as does the difficulty they have in forging a relationship – no small thanks for this going to Matt’s vindictive ex, whom I would have loved to slap down. Though only a novella, much is crafted into the tale. It doesn’t feel as if there is something missing, or that the author attempted too much in too little time.

There is sex and this does get adventuresome. Ever wanted to do it on a beach? Maybe thought about anal play (complete with plug), or some light spanking? If so, then you’ll love these sexy, sensual love scenes as much as you love the story. And you will love Wild Child. I definitely have!

Reviewed By Elizabeth
© December 2006