The Jade Temptress
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4.4 • 22 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Beauty and treachery abound in the infamous Pingkang Li, where the exclusive Lotus Palace attracts society’s most celebrated courtesans…and their scandals.
As the most requested hostess at the Lotus Palace, Mingyu can charm any man who seeks her company—except Wu Kaifeng. Wu Kaifeng is a no-nonsense constable who maintains his level head even in the most desperate situations. Having crossed paths with each other in the past, the two have a strained history, but that doesn’t stop Mingyu from falling for the secretly sensitive officer.
When a powerful official is found dead in a highly suspicious murder, Mingyu and Kaifeng become involved in the dangerous mystery. Amid the chaos, Kaifeng discovers his reluctant, yet fierce attraction to Mingyu, but the temptation to give in to her could destroy them both. After all, a forbidden affair is bound to have consequences…
Previously published.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Lin returns to Tang Dynasty China (setting of The Lotus Palace) for a tale strong in emotional subtlety but weak in suspense and mystery. Renowned courtesan Mingyu may shine like her namesake "bright jade" in the pleasure quarters of the Pingkang li, but when she discovers the gruesomely beheaded body of one of her high-ranking patrons, Constable Wu Kaifeng is immediately suspicious of the icy, self-possessed woman. As the ploddingly slow investigation brings the pair together, Kaifeng can't help but be entranced by Mingyu. Even though Kaifeng once tortured Mingyu in an attempt to get information out of her, she's still intrigued by his determined search for the truth. The courtship between the high-class courtesan and the street cop is well drawn and nuanced, but the murder mystery's abrupt solution undercuts the otherwise satisfying ending.
Customer Reviews
One of the best historical romances of all time.
Lin effortlessly surrounds you with the world of the Tang Dynasty pleasure quarter, but it truly does feel effortless on your part as well as hers. You are simply there to be caught up in the intrigue, mystery, and romance—all three qualties that are woven together seamlessly. She is truly one of the greats.