La Déesse Noire: The Black Goddess

Kali Matai’s life as London’s most famous tawaiff and Indian dancer is not all it seems to be. From an early age, she has been taught all the nuances of the art of seduction and pleasure and has been fated to become a paramour for England’s noblemen, even though her father is a British peer of the realm. Forced by cruel men in power to use her beauty and appeal to engender their malicious ends, they leave her no choice but to enlist the aid of powerful lords to help her bring them to heel and win her freedom. However, freedom doesn’t come cheaply, or without danger.  

This innovative historical romance takes on a fresh and new perspective of Regency England. Exposing the prejudices and bigotries experienced in that era, it’s a conjecture of what an Indian courtesan might have experienced during that time. Its slow start and editing issues do not detract from its overall appeal, because this moving read keeps the interest elevated. With likeable characters that are well defined, the story line flows at a good pace and has one turning the pages while hoping for a happily ever after. In addition, the reader is drawn in by the heroine as she endures her tribulations and can commiserate with her as she progresses on her road to freedom and happiness. Readers of historical romance will not want to miss this poignant novel.  

Janna Shay