Author: Jeannie Li
Publisher: Harlequin
Publish Date: September 20, 2011
Source: Netgalley
Why You're Reading This Book:
- You like romance stories.
- You love exotic locales.
From Goodreads.com: "Former Emperor’s consort Ling Suyin is renowned for her beauty; the ultimate seductress. Now she lives quietly alone—until the most ruthless warlord in the region comes and steals her away....
Li Tao lives life by the sword, and is trapped in the treacherous, lethal world of politics. The alluring Ling Suyin is at the center of the web. He must uncover her mystery without falling under her spell—yet her innocence calls out to him. How cruel if she, of all women, can entrance the man behind the legend."
My Two Cents:
This past weekend, I was looking for a little bit of a lighter read (my husband and I took a road trip to the beach to celebrate our first anniversary) and this book certainly fit the bill!!! This is the second book about Li Tao (the first was called The Butterfly Swords). I didn't read The Butterfly Swords but I don't think you have to read it in order to enjoy The Dragon and the Pearl. This book is definitely a great stand alone book.
Suyin is alone in the world. After she falls out of favor with the monarchy, she lives on her own. Tao is a ruthless war lord looking to stake a claim in any way that he can. He takes Suyin away from her home because he thinks that she will make a good bargaining chip for him to get what he wants. Suyin is a former courtesan who is rumored to be able to make men fall in love with her with just a single look. Li Tao hardly believes that and is sure that he will be above her charm. Eh, it's a little predictable but I still loved the book and as I said, it fit the bill for a good light read.
I really liked this book. The setting is off the beaten path (China during the Tang Dynasty) and I thought that Lin did a really great job with creating the world for the reader.
Bottom line: If you're looking for a love story in an awesome locale, this is the book for you.
Sounds like an intriguing read! I haven't spent much time in China, reading-wise, so I'd definitely be interested to check it out. Glad you enjoyed it, and hope you had fun at the beach!
ReplyDeleteFun! I received this from NetGalley too and will definitely read it the next time I'm in the mood for some fluff!
ReplyDeleteOh, and happy belated anniversary! :)