Welcome to Litsy!

According to Sarah MacLean, this is the first own voices Asian historical and it was pubbed in 2010! That seems unreal, but then most (if not all) of my own HR reading is set in England so...ugh, talk about a reading gap I need to correct!

Anyway, the book is great! The couple is phenomenal. I often struggle with contemporary romance bc the stakes aren't high enough - this book is why! The stakes are literally dynastic! So much angst! Love it!

This was a refreshing change of pace. Set during China‘s Tang Dynasty in 758 CE, this was the most unique historical romance I‘ve ever read. A strong warrior princess heroine made this an enjoyable read. I learned a bit about China‘s history from this book, which added to the enjoyment. Good storyline, interesting characters, fascinating history, and plenty of cultural information make this highly recommended.

Did a reread of this for book group, and wow, it's amazing how diiferent this book feels a decade later. Ai Li is such an awesome heroine.

1/5⭐ Eyeroll-worthy dynamics forced into what's apparently supposed to pass as romance. Constant reflections on each other's appearance, the man thinking the woman is adorable in grossly dismissive ways, the woman focusing on the man's intimidating size, the wager to win a kiss, blah blah no thanks.

Not my favorite of her books.

Really excited to start this one today!

Y‘all. I got about 20% in and I just lost interest. Maybe it‘s because I have an ebook, but the transitions between character POVs were driving me nuts because there was no break to signify that it was happening. I‘m confused about the chemistry between the hero/heroine. I just can‘t. I normally have to be in a specific mood for romance and I‘m just not feeling it. 😕

This would make a really good period drama! I love how the heroine is so strong, and can hold an entire sword fight and duel on her own, yet can‘t help but fall in love with a barbarian, an outcast. Another good series from Jeannie Lin.

#nowreading something light and saucy. Jeannie Lin is fast becoming one of my favourite romance author! Her Pingkang Li series was really good too! #asianromance #romance #asianauthor #wuxia #xianxia

Moving on to something new after a walk to the grocery store and the Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis. Feeling romancey this weekend, apparently.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ of 5 ⭐️s

I was expecting high drama and wuxia action when I picked this up, and I definitely got both, along with a hefty serving of the filial duty vs. personal desire conflict I see in lots of Chinese literature. What I DIDN'T expect was the white male protagonist. Constantly visualizing Matt Damon in the romantic lead was kinda disruptive to my reading. Hopefully the other books aren't like that :|.

A romance novel set in Tang Dynasty China with shades of wuxia action thrown in for good measure? Yes please :D!