Taste of Passion by Brenda Jackson
A Madaris Novel
St. Martin’s Press
African American Contemporary
ISBN: 978-0312940508
Reviewed by Nikita Steele




For the past five years Mackenzie “Mac” Standfield and Luke Madaris had been ignoring the intense magnetism tugging between them.  After her last devastating breakup, Mac had been avoiding men like the plague; while Luke refused to put any woman before his ambition to win the national rodeo championship.  Then, a freak rodeo accident occurred resulting in Luke seeking recuperation at Mac’s ranch in order to avoid his smothering family.  As Luke’s health improved, so did the burning passion strengthening between them until it refused to be denied.  And to add more fuel to the fire, someone was out to cause harm to Mac.  Will Luke and Mac welcome true love into their lives or will they continue to fight against it by only enjoying a very short-lived Taste of Passion?  And, more importantly, will they discover and stop the person who was determined to ruin Mac before it was too late?

Taste of Passion was an exciting, delightful read that intrigued me from start to finish.  This novel had everything that I could want and more.  The plot was filled with passion, mystery, drama and, most of all, love.  You can’t go wrong with a design like this.

Although they tried to deny it, Luke and Mac had great chemistry together.  Their super hot romance was a whirlwind of an affair as Mac was determined not to fall in love with Luke; while, Luke was just as determined to claim Mac’s heart as his own.  I was amazed that they had managed to stay apart for the length of time they did; yet, when one’s heart had been damaged, it was easier to understand the need to protect it at all costs.  Nevertheless, when fate decided to step in, denial was no longer an alternative.

Whereas, Taste of Passion is part of Brenda Jackson’s Madaris Family series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.  It was great to revisit with featured couples from the past.  Fans of this series will be pleased that love had finally found Luke.