Tag: China

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Series Review

Series Review: The Princess Shanyin Saga by Liliana Lee (2014)

Holly

Heat Factor: These books go on the Erotica shelf

Character Chemistry: There’s a cosmic connection, but I don’t always buy it

Plot: Princess Shanyin gets a hot young lord sent to her harem. Power plays (and lots of sex) ensue

Overall: If you’re looking for high-brow reverse-harem erotica with bonus disturbing political machinations set in 5th century China, The Obsession is excellent. If you want the HEA, read the full series—but note that The Enslavement and The Fulfillment are less tightly written.

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Recommended Read, Review

Review: My Fair Concubine by Jeannie Lin (2012)

Holly

Heat Factor: There is some sex at the end, but I frankly think that the book would have been better without it. (SHOCKING!) Not because it wasn’t hot, but because the pining was so much hotter. 

Character Chemistry: Oh, the pining. 

Plot: Fei Long’s sister was supposed to be a peace bride, but ran away instead. To save the family honor (and the peace agreement), Fei Long decides he’s going to pass off a teahouse girl as his sister. 

Overall: The first half is slow, but the tension builds and builds and I really didn’t know how they were going to get out of their predicament.

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Recommended Read, Review

Review: The Lotus Palace by Jeannie Lin (2013)

Holly

The Lotus Palace Mysteries, Book 1

Heat Factor: It takes Lord Bai a couple of encounters before he masters Advanced Consent

Character Chemistry: Yue-ying sees right through Bai Huang, and it’s good for him

Plot: A courtesan is found murdered, so a minor lord and a servant from the pleasure quarter team up to crack the case

Overall: This was a fabulous read—gripping mystery, interesting setting, lush writing, great characters—but I am conflicted about the relationship.

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Recommended Read, Review

Review: The Sword Dancer by Jeannie Lin (2013)

Holly

Tang Dynasty, Book #4

Heat Factor: A bit of sizzle.

Character Chemistry: Literal sparring partners. Like, with swords. 

Plot: Le Fing is a bandit. Han is a thief-catcher. He’s chasing her around China after she was maybe involved in stealing some jade. Then they team up because there is something bigger afoot. 

Overall: I gobbled this one up. Nom nom nom.

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