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16th out of 249 books
—
98 voters
The Dragon and the Pearl (Tang Dynasty #2)
by
Jeannie Lin (Goodreads Author)
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COURTESAN OF THEM ALL...
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...more
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...more
Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages
Published
September 20th 2011
by Harlequin
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My first impressions as I began reading The Dragon and the Pearl were extremely positive. I appreciated that, although it is a historical romance, this book is not set in historical Britain, Europe, or America. I also enjoyed Jeannie Lin's writing, which is understated yet often poetic. Lin writes economically, creating strong impressions with relatively few words.
Unfortunately, Lin's weakness appears to be plot pacing. After a promising beginning, very little happens throughout most of the boo...more
Unfortunately, Lin's weakness appears to be plot pacing. After a promising beginning, very little happens throughout most of the boo...more
This book has flawed pacing. There's three segments to it: the first part when Li Tao takes Suying from her home and she's trying to work out how to survive and free herself, the second extraordinarily boring interlude of sex scenes and agonizing over feelings, and the last third where the plot picks up and things actually start happening again. All three parts are interspersed with flashbacks to their respective pasts. Out of all this the third section and the flashbacks are the only bits reall...more
I reviewed this book on my blog at www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com
This book comes highly recommended by some of my friends and authors that I highly respect, so there was no way in hell I was going to skip on reading it. Besides, I just love all those martial arts movies with sword fights and leaping warriors.
Before I sank my teeth into this story, I thought I should read ‘Butterfly Swords’ first as the hero of ‘The Dragon and the Pearl’ makes his début in it. Just a side note, you really do...more
This book comes highly recommended by some of my friends and authors that I highly respect, so there was no way in hell I was going to skip on reading it. Besides, I just love all those martial arts movies with sword fights and leaping warriors.
Before I sank my teeth into this story, I thought I should read ‘Butterfly Swords’ first as the hero of ‘The Dragon and the Pearl’ makes his début in it. Just a side note, you really do...more
Ling Suyin is the late Emperor’s consort. A woman of stunning beauty and considered the supreme seductress across the Empire. After years fighting for survival within the Imperial Court, all Suyin really wants is a quiet place away from the intrigue and treachery of the palace. And that is what her former master granted her upon his death, a nice home near the river, far away from the Imperial Court.
Li Tao is a ruthless warlord, raised on the streets of Luoyong. He exemplifies the motto: he w...more
Li Tao is a ruthless warlord, raised on the streets of Luoyong. He exemplifies the motto: he w...more
Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner
I’ve been meaning to read this author ever since hearing great things about her previous book, Butterfly Swords, so when I saw this book on Netgalley I jumped to the opportunity to read it. I wasn’t aware that The Dragon and the Pearl was a sequel to Butterfly Swords but I was able to enjoy the book and I think it stands alone quite well.
Lady Ling Suyin is in deep trouble. As the late Emperor’s consort she finds herself kidnaped from her home by Gove...more
I’ve been meaning to read this author ever since hearing great things about her previous book, Butterfly Swords, so when I saw this book on Netgalley I jumped to the opportunity to read it. I wasn’t aware that The Dragon and the Pearl was a sequel to Butterfly Swords but I was able to enjoy the book and I think it stands alone quite well.
Lady Ling Suyin is in deep trouble. As the late Emperor’s consort she finds herself kidnaped from her home by Gove...more
Sep 20, 2011
Maldivianbookreviewer
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
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historical-romance,
favorite-alpha-heroes,
favorite-heroines,
favorites,
arcs,
assassin-hero,
brooding-hero,
captive-heroine,
controlled-hero,
controlled-heroine,
dangerous-hero,
endearing-hero,
endearing-heroine,
emotional-wrangler,
explosive-passion,
exotic-locations,
harlequin-romances,
haunted-by-the-past-heroine,
haunted-by-the-past-hero,
hot-as-sin-hero,
hottest-first-kiss,
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opposites-attract,
one-night-stand,
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virgin-heroine,
courtesan-heroine
No true fan of romance can read Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin and escape without wanting to find out more about General Li Tao. And Jeannie Lin certainly doesn’t disappoint fans of her ultra unique historical romances set in the Tang Dynasty, China with this installment. Towards the end of my review for Butterfly Swords I mentioned my utter and at times reluctant fascination with Li Tao who served to be at first the villian and then somehow turned the tables around on me. Little did I know tha...more
4 likes · like · see review
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Sep 20, 2011
Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
historical,
non-erotic
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Survival instincts run strong in Ling Suyin, precious consort of the now-dead August Emperor. Impending war ends her quiet living in the home the emperor had built for her. Now she must use all the weapons she has to stay alive. She knows how expendable a beautiful woman is to men of power.
Sold at age four for one hundred copper coins, Suyin does not know her true name, but she has survived the pleasure district of Luoyang and the tr...more
Survival instincts run strong in Ling Suyin, precious consort of the now-dead August Emperor. Impending war ends her quiet living in the home the emperor had built for her. Now she must use all the weapons she has to stay alive. She knows how expendable a beautiful woman is to men of power.
Sold at age four for one hundred copper coins, Suyin does not know her true name, but she has survived the pleasure district of Luoyang and the tr...more
Apr 09, 2013
Dangermousie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
aaangst,
horrible-childhood-of-h-h,
hurt-comfort,
perfect,
period-romance,
romance,
tough-heroines,
asia
This follows a growing, reluctant on both sides, complicated relationship between the former concubine of a dead Tang emperor and a powerful warlord who took her into his house to protect her from those who seek to assassinate her but also to discover the secrets she holds. They both climbed to the top from the gutter in very different ways, and both are reluctant to open up in any way, but perhaps it is that similarity that makes there attraction all the more potent.
I love this!!! This should b...more
I love this!!! This should b...more
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 wi...more
Suyin is alone in the world. After she falls out of favor wi...more
I haven't read a Harlequin romance since I was a teenager and my grandmother used to bring them over to our house in grocery bags. I gradually lost interest then and never thought I'd read another. But when a friend recommended this book so highly, I had to try it, and I'm glad I did. Wow, Harlequins have changed with their new lines and I was very impressed with this book. First the gorgeously evoked setting, both the Tang Dynastic details but also the physical landscape were well-done. Lightly...more
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: September 20, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Historical
Author’s Website: http://www.jeannielin.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: In the same world as Butterfly Swords
Series Best Read In Order: Worked well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Official Blurb:
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COURTESAN OF THEM ALL…
Former Emperor’s consort Ling Suyin is renowned for...more
Expected Release Date: September 20, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Historical
Author’s Website: http://www.jeannielin.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: In the same world as Butterfly Swords
Series Best Read In Order: Worked well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Official Blurb:
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COURTESAN OF THEM ALL…
Former Emperor’s consort Ling Suyin is renowned for...more
I read both Butterfly Swords and The Taming of Mei Lin and consider myself a fan of this author. Both historical romances took place during the Tang dynasty and those and this one are all very well written, a perfect blend of story and sex, of description and action. All three of them make me feel as though I have stepped back into the Tang dynasty into a world of warriors, swords, emperors, courtesans, paper lantern festivals, and danger.
This one is a bit different from the previous two, howeve...more
This one is a bit different from the previous two, howeve...more
1 like · like · see review
Wow.
I'd heard good things about Ms. Lin's books and been intrigued by the settings and characters--I'd always wanted to read more about ancient China.
The Dragon and the Pearl was a gorgeous and wholly satisfying story--Lady Ling Suyin is a former consort to the late Emperor; Li Tao is a warlord and governor. He whisks her away to save her from a plot against her life but she deeply resents the loss of her freedom. Both extraordinarily disciplined and determined, neither is willing to yield to th...more
I'd heard good things about Ms. Lin's books and been intrigued by the settings and characters--I'd always wanted to read more about ancient China.
The Dragon and the Pearl was a gorgeous and wholly satisfying story--Lady Ling Suyin is a former consort to the late Emperor; Li Tao is a warlord and governor. He whisks her away to save her from a plot against her life but she deeply resents the loss of her freedom. Both extraordinarily disciplined and determined, neither is willing to yield to th...more
Throw your expectations out the window, because this is a different kind of romance novel. Having read and loved Butterfly Swords, I expected a plucky heroine adventuring in an exotic time and place with a hero who has a heart of gold. I got something much better.
Our heroine, Suyin, was the emperor's concubine. Her weapons are beauty, poise, secrets and intrigue. Our hero is a ruthless warlord who has turned against his master more than once. These are sophisticated characters who are cynical a...more
Our heroine, Suyin, was the emperor's concubine. Her weapons are beauty, poise, secrets and intrigue. Our hero is a ruthless warlord who has turned against his master more than once. These are sophisticated characters who are cynical a...more
This is the first Jeannie Lin book I've read. I can pretty much guarentee that it won't be the last.
The Dragon and the Pearl was what I was hoping it be! The two "lovers" are so different, but so similar. He's a hardened warrior and assassian. She's a lovely flower, but an innocent 'she-demon' (so many characters called her this and it fits all too well). Both characters have gone through so much pain, loneliness, heart-ache, struggle, and dark times, but their love/lust is a pecan in the night...more
The Dragon and the Pearl was what I was hoping it be! The two "lovers" are so different, but so similar. He's a hardened warrior and assassian. She's a lovely flower, but an innocent 'she-demon' (so many characters called her this and it fits all too well). Both characters have gone through so much pain, loneliness, heart-ache, struggle, and dark times, but their love/lust is a pecan in the night...more
Review At: I Read, I Think, I Share
Review Date: 4 Nov 2011
Review URL: http://littlemermybooks.blogspot.com/2011/11/dragon-and-pearl-by-jeannie-lin.html
Summary:
This is my first historical romance that take place in China during 8th century. The story is very interesting. It is beautifully written with details description of the settings, places, people and even their emotion. It's mostly about the romance between Ling Suyin and Li Tao with minimum actions. It gives a good insight of the position...more
Review Date: 4 Nov 2011
Review URL: http://littlemermybooks.blogspot.com/2011/11/dragon-and-pearl-by-jeannie-lin.html
Summary:
This is my first historical romance that take place in China during 8th century. The story is very interesting. It is beautifully written with details description of the settings, places, people and even their emotion. It's mostly about the romance between Ling Suyin and Li Tao with minimum actions. It gives a good insight of the position...more
I read and loved Butterfly Swords. The Dragon and the Pearl is possibly a tish better. In Butterfly Swords I couldn't help but like Li Tao, even tho he was the bad guy. Actually, he wasn't the bad guy, just not the hero. In this book Li Tao is fully fleshed out. The reader can root for him whole-heartedly. Suyin appears a delicate flower but to survive the life she's been given she has developed an inner core of steel.
If you are looking for a love story that is woven through a period of history...more
If you are looking for a love story that is woven through a period of history...more
This book is perfect. Every moment is mesmerizing. The tension and growing tenderness is palpable between these two very controlled, yet lonely and vulnerable people. Neither believes they have anything to look forward to, and it was wonderful watching them dragged towards happiness while they squeezed their eyes shut and dug in their heels. I just...I can't even talk rationally about this book, I loved it so much. There are so many perfect little moments, and Suyin and Li Tao are brilliant, com...more
I was going to get the book 3 stars as I liked it but I'm wasn't sure if the novel would make it to my reread pile. But it might, as the sex scenes were masterfully done but not overly over done. The best I have read in a while. The scenes were almost lyrical at times.
"He kissed her throat as he angled his hips downward and then forwards. Her flesh parted slowly and surrounded him, smooth heat tightening all around. She made a small sound in her throat and he slowed to stroke his hand through h...more
"He kissed her throat as he angled his hips downward and then forwards. Her flesh parted slowly and surrounded him, smooth heat tightening all around. She made a small sound in her throat and he slowed to stroke his hand through h...more
Wow! What a great follow-up to Butterfly Swords. Jeannie Lin's voice is so unique and ravishing--and has only been growing in depth and power. Very spare, but gorgeous and heart-breakingly emotional without melodrama. I love the characters, the situation, the evocation of a complex culture, the tense plot, and the palpable feeling of watching two people fall truly in love. The minor characters are fabulous, too, and there are many fascinating secrets revealed along the way.....
Lin is really cap...more
Lin is really cap...more
3.5/5
I had read Jeannie Lin's first book Butterfly Swords so I was excited to get a chance to read her second. Although it contains characters from that book, I didn't really remember them so it was like starting afresh.
The main characters this time are Ling Suyin, former consort of the now dead Emperor, whose beauty and wiles are (in)famous across the country. Her love interest is the brutal Li Tao, whose honor and loyalty drive him and have made him a feared leader of soldiers and a potent thr...more
I had read Jeannie Lin's first book Butterfly Swords so I was excited to get a chance to read her second. Although it contains characters from that book, I didn't really remember them so it was like starting afresh.
The main characters this time are Ling Suyin, former consort of the now dead Emperor, whose beauty and wiles are (in)famous across the country. Her love interest is the brutal Li Tao, whose honor and loyalty drive him and have made him a feared leader of soldiers and a potent thr...more
My first time reading this author. The novel exceeded my expectations: very fine writing, finely rendered period setting, complex and well drawn characters in a thoroughly modern vehicle (steamy romance). I was pleasantly surprised.
Jeannie Lin seems well versed in the details of the historical era and is also able to convey the historical intrigues in a meaningful way, a tour de force. The heroine is supposed to be a fine negotiator and she finds herself able to read people and finesse her way t...more
Jeannie Lin seems well versed in the details of the historical era and is also able to convey the historical intrigues in a meaningful way, a tour de force. The heroine is supposed to be a fine negotiator and she finds herself able to read people and finesse her way t...more
Jeannie Lin keeps the reader engrossed in this story from the beginning to the last page. I read it in two days, staying up until midnight to finish it. I first met Li Tao in Butterfly Swords, so was thrilled he was the hero of this book. And what a hero he is. Ling Suyin, the heroine, is spunky, independent, and demure--a perfect yin to Li Tao's yang. I'd recently tried to get into a Tang dynasty mainstream novel and was bored silly even by page 140, so couldn't finish it. But Jeannie Lin never...more
I enjoyed Jeannie Lin's Butterfly Swords enough that when The Dragon and the Pearl came out, I snatched it up. Then it sat in my TBR pile for a while. Working on my read-alikes list for Bonnie Dee's Captive Bride reminded me that I hadn't read it yet, but still wanted to.
I've been working on this review for a few days now, and it has been showing signs of causing me as many problems as my review for Captive Bride. So, in the interest of finishing this review this weekend instead of several weeks...more
I've been working on this review for a few days now, and it has been showing signs of causing me as many problems as my review for Captive Bride. So, in the interest of finishing this review this weekend instead of several weeks...more
I kind of have mixed emotions about this book.
I have no idea how to start this review. How about, I skipped all the erotic parts and tried to enjoy the actual story! (It's quite erotic that I can probably consider it a twin to Fifty Shades. Just, this book has a better protagonist..)
When I read the first book, I overreacted a bit and the erotica just completely freaked me out. But then I thought, despite the disturbing porn, the actual plot wasn't half bad. So yeah. I decided to continue the se...more
I have no idea how to start this review. How about, I skipped all the erotic parts and tried to enjoy the actual story! (It's quite erotic that I can probably consider it a twin to Fifty Shades. Just, this book has a better protagonist..)
When I read the first book, I overreacted a bit and the erotica just completely freaked me out. But then I thought, despite the disturbing porn, the actual plot wasn't half bad. So yeah. I decided to continue the se...more
Second in Lin's Tang Dynasty series, this book takes an interesting turn and attempts to make a hero out of the villain in book #1. Li Tao has a deep dark past (don't they all) and has risen to the upper ranks of the military government. However, his insistence on honor and balance have placed him in a precarious position and on the brink of civil war. Enter Lady Suyin Ling, beloved companion and concubine to the previous Emperor. And, as we are told MANY times in this book, the yin to Li Tao's...more
While I agree with others that you could enjoy this as a stand-alone novel, I think I appreciated it much more because I had read and enjoyed Butterfly Swords. Set in the same historical period, the two books are very different, and rightly so.
Suyin appeared in the earlier book as the Emperor's favorite courtesan; that Emperor is dead now, and she must figure out how to survive and move on in the new political reality. Li Tao was one of the villains of Butterfly Swords, and it's fascinating to s...more
Suyin appeared in the earlier book as the Emperor's favorite courtesan; that Emperor is dead now, and she must figure out how to survive and move on in the new political reality. Li Tao was one of the villains of Butterfly Swords, and it's fascinating to s...more
Well, it took me WAY too long to buy this book, for which I can only offer my profuse apologies to the author. I had wanted to do a review while the book was still in stores, but October escaped me. Obviously, November did, too. Before I tell you about this book, I think I will remind you about my review policies and admit that yes, I know the author and consider her a friend. That has nothing whatsoever to do with the nature of my reviews. I do not hold punches. If I’m uncomfortable posting a f...more
02
Main characters:
Ling Suyin
Li Tao
What I Liked: The author has created a wonderful world, this is so much better then the other books that I've read by her, it doesn't even compare! I loved reading about China in the Tang dynasty, and then researching it on my own. Chinese traditions and history are very... complex and fascinating and Ms. Lin wrote about them beautifully. Her characters are believable and have hopes and dreams and problems, her story line is mysterious and manages to make you a...more
Main characters:
Ling Suyin
Li Tao
What I Liked: The author has created a wonderful world, this is so much better then the other books that I've read by her, it doesn't even compare! I loved reading about China in the Tang dynasty, and then researching it on my own. Chinese traditions and history are very... complex and fascinating and Ms. Lin wrote about them beautifully. Her characters are believable and have hopes and dreams and problems, her story line is mysterious and manages to make you a...more
5 likes · like · see review
3.5* B+
This book was difficult for me to rate and I truly wavered between 3 and 4 stars. Not for the first time I wish goodreads either allowed half stars, or used a grade system where you could give "+" and "-" scores for more accuracy.
The book started out slow for me, but picked up speed about 70-80 pages into it. Once the Suyin and Tao were getting to know each other, I enjoyed the story and the interactions. Tao remained a hard man even to the end, but I felt convinced of his feelings for S...more
This book was difficult for me to rate and I truly wavered between 3 and 4 stars. Not for the first time I wish goodreads either allowed half stars, or used a grade system where you could give "+" and "-" scores for more accuracy.
The book started out slow for me, but picked up speed about 70-80 pages into it. Once the Suyin and Tao were getting to know each other, I enjoyed the story and the interactions. Tao remained a hard man even to the end, but I felt convinced of his feelings for S...more
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Jeannie Lin grew up fascinated with stories of Western epic fantasy and Eastern martial arts adventures. When her best friend introduced her to romance novels in middle school, the stage was set. Jeannie started writing her first romance while working as a high school science teacher in South Central Los Angeles. After four years of trying to break into publishing with an Asian-set historical, her...more
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“The heat of his body surrounded her, overwhelming her. Suddenly his hold on her shifted. One arm captured her waist to drag her against his chest before his mouth descended on hers.
Heat and pleasure coursed through her at once, fierce and wild and uncompromising. She fell boneless against him, winding her arms around his neck dizzily, drinking in the salted taste of his mouth.”
—
3 people liked it
Heat and pleasure coursed through her at once, fierce and wild and uncompromising. She fell boneless against him, winding her arms around his neck dizzily, drinking in the salted taste of his mouth.”
“He pushed harder, deeper into her, his thrusts taking on a restrained violence as if he needed to give her as much of him as she could take.
He took on an almost desperate rhythm, digging his fingers into her hips. She was rising again, chasing after him. At the height of it, the man above her disappeared. All that was left were the sensations he pulled from deep within her, the heady, spiced scent of him and the laboured pant of his breath in her ear.”
—
3 people liked it
More quotes…
He took on an almost desperate rhythm, digging his fingers into her hips. She was rising again, chasing after him. At the height of it, the man above her disappeared. All that was left were the sensations he pulled from deep within her, the heady, spiced scent of him and the laboured pant of his breath in her ear.”
