My Fair Concubine (Tang Dynasty, #3)

Sep 21, 2012 Lindsay Pittman rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've had my eye on Jeannie Lin ever since I read about Butterfly Swords. Unfortunately, I lived in the Arctic at the time and wasn't able to purchase a copy while it was still in print. So when, after moving south, I saw this one in stores, I jumped at the chance to buy it.

I'm a very impatient reader, but I read this book from beginning to end. Why? Because of the heroine, Yan Ling. I loved her transition from imprudent tea girl to unorthodox princess. She changed in such lovely subtle ways, I...more

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Sep 11, 2012 Krystal109 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Summary
(view spoiler)

Review
I won this book as...more

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Aug 31, 2012 Hannah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, historical-fiction

My Fair Concubine is everything that I've ever wanted in a historical romance - it is beautifully written and rich in cultural details, with a sweeping romance featuring intelligent and well-developed characters. Before My Fair Concubine, I had never enjoyed reading pure romance novels very much - even historical romances were usually "same old, same old," for all my love of history. This book changed my mind about the genre completely; if more romance novels were like this, then I might actuall...more My Fair Concubine is everything that I've ever wanted in a historical romance - it is beautifully written and rich in cultural details, with a sweeping romance featuring intelligent and well-developed characters. Before My Fair Concubine, I had never enjoyed reading pure romance novels very much - even historical romances were usually "same old, same old," for all my love of history. This book changed my mind about the genre completely; if more romance novels were like this, then I might actually find myself a convert.

The story is obviously based on My Fair Lady, but aside from sharing a similar premise, My Fair Concubine stands far apart as its own unique tale. The main strength of this lies in the character development as Yan Ling transforms from a simple tea girl to a princess, while Fei Long (proud, honorable and responsible) learns to bend a little. The secondary characters are also quite likeable - I particularly loved the crafty and flamboyant Bai Shen. The author's Tang Dynasty is wonderfully and vividly executed and I was glad to see that she captured the speech and behaviour of Chinese characters in a historical context without rendering the dialogue utterly stilted, as many Chinese historical novels are wont to do.

What I appreciated most about this story, however, was that it was actually romantic. Yes, it sounds like a strange comment - this is supposed to be a romance! What else would it be if not romantic? But that is exactly the problem, with many romance novels opting to skip the build up and hop straight into the bed (literally). The beauty of a good romance is in the build up and seeing the characters slowly fall for each other, and this is what Jeannie Lin gives us here.

Watching Yan Ling and Fei Long begin as teacher and student before gradually transitioning into something more is the sort of thing that made one hold their breath, just waiting and hoping for everything to work out. The fact that Yan Ling is only a fill-in for Fei Long's sister as trophy bride to the Khitans, combined with the strict social norms and the Chinese stress on family honor, seemed to make their love an impossible dream. What's more, Fei Long was probably born silent and honorable while Yan Ling would do anything rather than disappoint Fei Long, so they persist in practicality, bottling up their feelings and leaving everything unsaid. This is the kind of romance that ticks every box for me - fraught with repressed emotion, it is actually far more effective than frequent displays of intimacy. (view spoiler) And really, how much sweeter was it to discover that for all his seemingly unshakeable emotional control, it turns out that Fei Long was so in love with Yan Ling that he spent their calligraphy lessons writing her name over and over "like a lovesick scholar," as he put it?

The two POVs (Yan Ling's and Fei Long's) are also employed to full effect. Not only did it enable us to get to know and sympathize with both characters, it was also supremely effective in heightening romantic tension - we would see a particularly heart-pounding encounter from Yan Ling's point of view, but the following chapter will show us Fei Long's reactions in the aftermath and we learn that he's not half as stoic as he is in front of Yan Ling. It's really quite cleverly done.

The title of the book - or at least the "concubine" part of it - doesn't actually play a part in the relationship between our hero and heroine, despite their difference in social status. In fact, Fei Long was quite indignant when it was suggested! Jeannie Lin has created quite a romantic masterpiece and I can honestly say I enjoyed every single page of this book. It's such a satisfying read.(less)

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Aug 05, 2012 Cleffairy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Reviewed at: Over A Cuppa Tea
Review date: 6 August 2012
Review link: http://cleffairy.com/?p=8043

This is by far one of the best historical romance I’ve ever read. I could make a long list if I were to list up what I like about this book, but I’ll keep it short and sum it up. Unlike historical romance stories that is set in Europe, this one is set in China during Tang Dynasty and it’s really something you don’t get often. The author was very descriptive about the cultural background in this story...more

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Jul 29, 2012 Fiona Marsden rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: People who like good dialogue, and real people

Recommended to Fiona by: NetGalley

This is my first Jeannie Lin historical and a great introduction to a very different era and culture. The setting of the Tang Dynasty in 800AD is beautifully rendered in a simple and unobtrusive manner. The heroine Yan Ling is the lowest of the low, a foundling working in a tea-house where Fei Long is seeking his runaway sister. When he realises Pearl's flight is to some extent his fault, having ignored her early pleas for help, Fei Long lets her go with her lover.

A combination of his absorption...more This is my first Jeannie Lin historical and a great introduction to a very different era and culture. The setting of the Tang Dynasty in 800AD is beautifully rendered in a simple and unobtrusive manner. The heroine Yan Ling is the lowest of the low, a foundling working in a tea-house where Fei Long is seeking his runaway sister. When he realises Pearl's flight is to some extent his fault, having ignored her early pleas for help, Fei Long lets her go with her lover.

A combination of his absorption in his problem and Yan Ling's fiery temper results in the tea-house girl being cut loose and a man in need of a Princess to save his family honour is not too proud to pick up a stray servant to train her to take his sister's place as a treaty bride with a far off kingdom.

Of course in a romance it never works out quite so easily. Yan Ling is so much more than a mere servant and as he gets to know her, Fei Long finds that what she is inside becomes more important to him than what she can do for his family honour.

Yan Ling is intrigued from the start by this rather cool, controlled former soldier. As he teaches her the skills she needs, her feelings start to go astray. She finds herself not as practical as Fei Long insists.

Ms Lin introduces an interesting cast of characters, in particular the servant girl Dao, and the theatrical artist, Bai Shen who takes on training Yan Ling in the art of womanhood. A nice touch of irony from a male actor.

The romance between Yan Ling and Fei Long fairly sizzles even though we don't see any intimacy through most of the book. Yan Ling is the perfect foil for the buttoned up Fei Long, encouraging him to look beyond the rules and regulations and see Honour and Duty as tied up with the Heart rather than appearance and social acceptance.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and even though the solution to the problem was fairly clear only halfway through the story, the culmination of the story was very satisfying. Ms Lin has a nice strain of humour that runs through the book and the ending leaves you with a smile from the humour as well as the romance.

(less)

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Jul 18, 2012 Joanna Terrero rated it 5 of 5 stars

When Chang Fei Long tracks down his sister, Pearl, who is assigned to be a treaty bride that should marry a lord from a neighboring kingdom. He finds out she ran away with her lover, and realizing that she wasn't kidnapped, but found refuge in someone who helped her to escape, Fei Long doesn't kill her partner. Instead, he let them both run away.

Afterward, Fei Long is devastated, knowing that the salvation of his entire household, and the honor of his family depend of this arranged marriage. He...more When Chang Fei Long tracks down his sister, Pearl, who is assigned to be a treaty bride that should marry a lord from a neighboring kingdom. He finds out she ran away with her lover, and realizing that she wasn't kidnapped, but found refuge in someone who helped her to escape, Fei Long doesn't kill her partner. Instead, he let them both run away.

Afterward, Fei Long is devastated, knowing that the salvation of his entire household, and the honor of his family depend of this arranged marriage. He sits down on a tea house to ponder the situation and concludes that what he needs is a woman to take the place of his sister.

Meanwhile, Yan Ling, an orphaned servant, serves Fei Long tea in the very moment he mutters his need for a woman, even someone as humble as her. Yan Ling misinterprets his intentions, and throws a pot of tea at him. Because of this, Yan Ling finds herself on the streets homeless, and while trying to convince Fei Long of talking to her masters to accept her back in the tea house, he instead proposes the deal of coming home with him, and training to act as a princess in order to take the place of his sister, marrying the lord from a neighboring kingdom, in behalf of the imperial court.

During the arduous process of transmuting from servant girl to princess, Yan Ling would make new friends, visit places she'd never dreamed of before, and of course, fall in love with Fei Long, who is conflicted between his family's honor and Yan Ling.

I've read all of Jeannie Lin's historical romance books; I loved the first one in this trilogy, and enjoyed the deep emotions of the second one. Compared to the previous books, My Fair Concubine is perfect, from the development of the characters to the breathtaking ending. Never before had Jeannie Lin captured the spirit of the Tang Dynasty better. I read on the author's website that the setting is based on an alternative history she created inspired by the Tang Dynasty's true history. However, while reading My Fair Concubine, the world the characters inhabit feels authentic as well as the culture and the social system of the times.

All the secondary characters are well developed, and my two favorites are Bai Shen, Fei Long`s theatrical friend and later Yan Ling's teacher. And Dao, who serves in Fei Long's household and becomes Yan Ling's best friend.

There aren't sex scenes until the very end, and the romance is rather sweet, but the sensual tension is intense. One interesting detail I noticed, specially during the last part of the book, is that there is a lot of romance in it, built with little tender moments, that ironically are so unusual in romance books nowadays.

I loved the way Fei Long admits his feeling for Yan Ling without saying I love you.
And absolutely love the ending, which I guessed halfway the book, but still loved it.
I also enjoyed the beautiful way the author described the used of the Chinese calligraphy in the story. While reading My Fair Concubine I laughed until I cried, and there were moments I got really misty-eyed too.

My Fair Concubine might have been inspired by My Fair Lady, which was based on an adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion. However, in my opinion, it has little similarities with those stories. My Fair Concubine is a complete satisfying story, while the original play and the movie are kind of ambiguous about the happy ending part. Besides, there is no true romance in My Fair Lady or Pygmalion.

I think that Jeannie Lin created an original work, where the characters are all unique. I highly recommend this book if you love historical romances with diverse characters and settings.(less)

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Jun 16, 2012 Victoria Dixon rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is my third novel from author Jeannie Lin – fourth story – and I'm happy to say I continue to enjoy myself.

“Concubine” is the story of Yan Ling, a tea house serving girl, and Chang Fei Long, the “Professor Higgins” of this take on My Fair Lady.

Here's the back cover blurb of the plot, though I'll give away a bit more:
Yan Ling tries hard to be servile—it's what's expected of a girl of her class. Being intelligent and strong-minded, she finds it a constant battle.

Proud Fei Long is unimpressed...more This is my third novel from author Jeannie Lin – fourth story – and I'm happy to say I continue to enjoy myself.

“Concubine” is the story of Yan Ling, a tea house serving girl, and Chang Fei Long, the “Professor Higgins” of this take on My Fair Lady.

Here's the back cover blurb of the plot, though I'll give away a bit more:
Yan Ling tries hard to be servile—it's what's expected of a girl of her class. Being intelligent and strong-minded, she finds it a constant battle.

Proud Fei Long is unimpressed by her spirit—until he realizes she's the answer to his problems. He has to deliver the emperor a "princess." In two months can he train a tea girl to pass as a noblewoman?

Yet it's hard to teach good etiquette when all Fei Long wants to do is break it, by taking this tea girl for his own...

The reason Fei Long has to deliver a "princess" is because his family promised to do so in exchange for enough money to negate the family's debt. Only the girl they'd intended to use skips town before the book begins. Throughout the book, the reader is intensely aware that Fei Long cannot act on his love for Yan Ling without putting his entire household, family and servants, into servitude forever. Yan Ling, who loves the household as if they were her own family, feels the same way. The tug of duty versus desire is palpable and exquisite.

I'd have to say I was aware while reading that this was a remake of a much later, non-Asian story. The novel doesn't feel as firmly settled during the Tang era as the Dragon and The Pearl – Lin's previous book – but, that did not distract me. Perhaps in large part because Lin's grasp of unattainable heart-rending desire was more realized in this story than in her other novels.

One part of the story's conclusion was given away earlier than I would have liked. It reduced the tension. But there were enough other questions still at large by the end of the story, that one reveal was pretty minor. The competition at the end of the book was pure enjoyment and delight, as were so many other points.

For instance, the first thing our heroine does upon meeting Fei Long is deliberately throw a pot of tea in his face. How can you not love that beginning? Just you wait, 'enry 'iggins, just you wait....

No empires or dynasties were threatened during the writing of this novel and that sort of additional tension wasn't necessary to the story. It's simply a joy to read – with or without Julie Andrews opining about “someone's 'ead restin' on my knee, warm an' tender as 'e can be. 'oo takes good care of me, aow, wouldn't it be loverly?”

Yes. Yes, it was.(less)

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Jun 12, 2012 Sophia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

I love reading historical romance and this one caught my eye with its beautiful cover and its unique setting. Most historicals that I've read are American, Canadian or European in backdrop. I loved finding this one that's set in China.

The other thing that made it sound just adorable is that it is based on the musical My Fair Lady (minus the music). I loved that story and found the idea of combining it with the ancient Chinese culture quite intriguing.

The story begins when Fei Long of the noble...more

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Jun 09, 2012 Sherry rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Fair Concubine, which spirited me away to a lovely adventure in the Tang Dynasty, is actually the first Harlequin novel I've ever read. Jeannie Lin sweeps readers off their feet on a tour through ninth-century China: from an ordinary teahouse in a remote province to the splendid residences, markets, and entertainment establishments of the imperial capital Chang'an. We meet the stubborn teahouse girl Yan Ling and the proud nobleman Fei Long, whose lives become inextricably entangled as they co...more My Fair Concubine, which spirited me away to a lovely adventure in the Tang Dynasty, is actually the first Harlequin novel I've ever read. Jeannie Lin sweeps readers off their feet on a tour through ninth-century China: from an ordinary teahouse in a remote province to the splendid residences, markets, and entertainment establishments of the imperial capital Chang'an. We meet the stubborn teahouse girl Yan Ling and the proud nobleman Fei Long, whose lives become inextricably entangled as they conspire in a grand scheme to transform a commoner into a princess bride for a Khitan chieftain. As the novel unfolds, we witness their relationship slowly blooming from that of strangers to co-conspirators and finally to lovers.

I really loved the characterization of Bai Shen. The moment he appeared, he immediately snatched the spotlight and stole away my heart for the rest of the novel. He reminds me of Xiao Mei in Strange Hero Yi Zhi Mei, a handsome scholar, actor, and master of disguise. They're both witty, loyal, fun-loving, pretty boys who enjoy subtly playing matchmaker. Bai Shen really has a magnetic personality that readers will find themselves naturally drawn to.

I was extremely excited every time the Khitans were mentioned in the novel, since the Liao Dynasty is my favorite period in Chinese history. I just wish there was an official term to refer to the territories occupied by the pre-dynastic Khitans. Since Khitan is a word much like Xiongnu or Jurchen, referring to the people rather than the place they inhabit, the Khitan steppes/tribes/confederation probably sounds more suitable. Anyway, I'm so glad that that Jeannie decided to give the Khitans some exposure in English fiction! Although their existence has pretty much faded away, they left behind a truly remarkable legacy in northern China.

The story would have been even more fun if Yan Ling had a love rival to deal with, since it was usually Fei Long who got bitten by the serpent of envy. There were four or five typos that distracted me a bit, and I wish Fei Long's family name was written with pinyin romanization (Zhang), but otherwise I really liked novel's writing style, witty humor, and rich historical detail.

Now it's time for me to finally read Butterfly Swords and begin another exciting adventure, this time with a real Tang princess!(less)

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Jul 31, 2012 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

This historical romance takes place in China during the Tang Dynasty AD 824. Fei Long's father has passed away and it is his duty to locate his sister Pearl and return home with her as she has been promised in an arranged peace marriage. Fei Long finds Pearl with her lover and he ends up letting her go. He ends up finding Yan Ling who works at a teahouse and develops a plan to take her home as Pearl and teach her how to become a lady. Yan Ling accepts this plan as she has been kicked out of the...more

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Sep 18, 2012 T.L. Morganfield rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved every bit of this book (well, except maybe the title, but more on that later). I'm only 3 books into my foray into reading historical romance, but already I'm wanting to run over to Amazon and buy the rest of Lin's backlist. She does a fantastic job of immersing the reader in Tang Dynasty China and incorporating the cultural norms into the love story and how the hero and heroine interact and relate to each other. And the love scenes were darn near perfect, without relying on the sometime...more

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Jul 21, 2012 Goblin rated it 4 of 5 stars

From: Once Upon A Book

I keep wavering between 4 and 5 stars on this one. So I'll go halves and choose a 4.5 rating.

What a change from the first book in the series, to the third! I loved this story. The characters were vivid and so wonderful.

My Fair Concubine unlike its predecessor, Butterfly Swords (I skipped the second book to read this one), the world the Author painted has such a lush, brilliant, and far more immersive and entertaining atmosphere. I am very happy that I've read this novel now...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Blodeuedd Finland rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

I liked this one for the simply reason that it was so different from the historical romance that I have read before. I loved going back to China 800 AD and experiencing something totally new. The clothes, the manners everything needed to transport me there.

The story is a take on my fair lady as Fei Long needs a"princess" and fast. So he takes on Yan Ling and tries to teach her etiquette and everything else needed. She is to be a peace bride and sent away to distant lands. The whole princess part...more

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Aug 30, 2012 Cyndi rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-addiction

Based on the number of stars this book received, I was expecting to like it more. I almost felt obligated to finish it.

Lin pulled me out of the Tang Dynasty so many times during the course of this novel. There were too many expressions that seemed extremely modern. For example on page 275, Dao says, "I told you not to fall for Fei Long." To me, "fall for" seems very juvenile and very modern. There were a lot of instances like this.

Fei Long was also such a boring character. He only appeared to...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Hsiau Wei rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, books-read-in-2012

This is the first book ever that i read with chinese history as it's background. Initially i have own doubt over the book as i wonder whether it will contain long history about the dynasty. But i was wrong as except that the story background was set during the dynasty, the plot remained as similar to the others.

This book tell the story of Fei Long who engaged the help of Yan Ling to replace his own sister, Pearl who has run away with her beau to be the princess that will be delivered as bride to...more

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Jun 13, 2012 Morwa Pal rated it 5 of 5 stars

In an uncustomary show of compassion, Fei Long allows his little sister to escape her family duty to be married off to an emperor. He then persuades a feisty tea girl, Yan Ling, to pose as his sister, and he undertakes the task of preparing her to behave like a princess. Thus starts a journey which leads the reader down passionate paths, tense turns and rolling roads of uncertainty. By the time I reached the end, I let out a sigh of relief because the happy-ever-after was earned. It made sense a...more

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Jul 02, 2012 E_bookpushers rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, historical, romance, reviewed

Joint review with Has originally posted at: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/06/27/...

Where did you get the book: Netgalley/Bought
What Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: Out Now

The Nobleman Who Turned a Tea Girl Into a Princess…

Yan Ling tries hard to be servile—it’s what’s expected of a girl of her class. Being intelligent and strong-minded, she finds it a constant battle.

Proud Fei Long is unimpressed by her spirit—until he realizes she’s the answer to his problems. He has to deliver the emperor a...more

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May 23, 2012 Catherine rated it 3 of 5 stars

My Fair Concubine Jeannie Lin
I received this book from goodreads.com and immediately looked forward to visiting another time, another place.
The story progresses at a good pace and once started, it is difficult to stop reading. However, I didn't really feel I knew much more about the Tang Dynasty when I had finished.
The characters, though, are very likeable, and I was willing them to admit their feelings and get together.
The ending is absolutely predictable, but satisfying nonetheless. Had it bee...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Aarati rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: classdivide, forced-arranged-convenient-marriage, hero-stuffy, heroine-ragstoriches, heroine-independent, historical-romance, romance, aarya

Well-written and fast-paced, I didn't have any trouble finishing this in one sitting. The unique setting and characters definitely made the story fresh and intriguing (I wouldn't have picked up a European historical with a similar plotline). However, the unrealistic plot and bland hero interfered with my enjoyment of the book. Yan Ling's (stupidly) rebellious nature seemed at odds with her position in society (for example, I was annoyed with her when she threw tea in an upper-class customer's la...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Bek rated it 3 of 5 stars

My Fair Concubine by Jeannie Lin is a reinterpretation of ‘My Fair Lady’ set in imperial China during the Tang Dynasty. The story is centred around Fei Long, a gruff and introverted noble with a strong sense of duty, and Yan Ling, an headstrong and impulsive young woman who was abandoned at a provincial teahouse as an infant, and has known no other life since. Fei Long is serving with the imperial army at an outpost when he finds out his father has passed away suddenly, leaving a mountain of deb...more My Fair Concubine by Jeannie Lin is a reinterpretation of ‘My Fair Lady’ set in imperial China during the Tang Dynasty. The story is centred around Fei Long, a gruff and introverted noble with a strong sense of duty, and Yan Ling, an headstrong and impulsive young woman who was abandoned at a provincial teahouse as an infant, and has known no other life since. Fei Long is serving with the imperial army at an outpost when he finds out his father has passed away suddenly, leaving a mountain of debt, and upon returning home he also discovers that his sister Pearl has eloped, rebelling against her arranged hequin (peace marriage) and running away with her lover. Fei Long chases the couple to a teahouse room they have rented, but cannot bring himself to condemn her to a life she does not want, and so he gives them his purse, and lets them leave. He rashly recruits the tea house girl as a replacement for Pearl, and Fei Long has 2 months to train her to be a lady before the hequin. He summons Bai Shen, an old actor friend, and Pearl’s handmaiden Dao to help train the servant girl to be a perfect princess in time for the marriage.

Lin has a flair for illustrative prose that immerses the reader in the the ‘golden age’ of China - Yan Ling’s scattered glimpses of the imperial capital Changan is a perfect example of this. The orphan servant girl’s genuine delight at the richness and luxury of her new surroundings is conveyed well, evoking excitement in the reader by proxy. The traditions, superstition and culture of the time are brought to life throughout the story with numerous, thoughtful small touches, from a wedding gift of embroidered felt shoes to a performance of ‘The Maiden of Yue’ at the theatre, showing it to be a well-researched text.

Fei Long and Yan Ling have to deal with their growing feelings towards one another whilst maintaining a respectable distance and keeping up the facade of Yan Ling as Pearl. Fei Long attempts to remain brusque and distant, knowing that the Hequin is the only way he can stave off the circling debtors and keep his family honour intact. Yan Ling tries to contain her feisty spirit and become a demure, skilled princess. Inevitably, this becomes more and more difficult for each of them as the novel progresses, and the barriers between them begin to break down. The relationship between the two main protagonists, although a somewhat forgone conclusion, is in a constant state of fluidity which keeps the reader guessing at possible plot developments up until the very end. An enjoyable light read.(less)

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Jul 22, 2012 SOS Aloha rated it 5 of 5 stars

The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she is treated. – Eliza Doolittle

MY FAIR CONCUBINE may be a retelling of MY FAIR LADY during the Tang Dynasty in 824. But Jeanne Lin gives it her own unique stamp as Yan Ling teaches Fei Long that a noble heart is more valuable than a noble title. I commend Lin for weaving Chinese culture into her story, reminding romance readers that love is a universal language. Living in Hawaii has peeked my interest in Asian his...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Charlotte Mcfall rated it 4 of 5 stars

Although this is the third book in the series by Jeannie lin, it was the first one I had read. I must say I wasn't disappointed. I have been interested for quite sometime about the emperors of China and there old ways. This book gave you that in spades and more. The hero Fei Long lets his sister escape an arranged marriage something extremely unusual as it dishonors the families involved. A young tea girl, Yan Ling, is asked and agrees to be an imposter and pretend to be his sister.

Teaching her...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Helen rated it 4 of 5 stars

The title does not accurately represent this book. In fact, this story is much better than the title would suggest. Perhaps in the strictest sense the story may be about a concubine, but in reality, this is a cinderella story about a bride, with all that implies.

The title made me consider giving the book away without reading it, but I looked inside and started reading. Good thing. The characters are vivid and the setting is clearly depicted through word choice and the narrative style. Yan Ling i...more

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May 24, 2012 Bookworm1858 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012, historical-fiction, romance

In short: highly recommended!

I have read two previous works by Lin and having enjoyed them, I remained on the lookout for more work. The premise for this one instantly piqued my interest: "My Fair Lady" reworked to historical China? Yes, please! I have a soft sport for "My Fair Lady" that is only marred by my intense loathing of Rex Harrison (read about him-he's a jerk!) But this book would have no Harrison, just using the Pygmalion story. I could not wait to pick it up!

And I found this to be ev...more In short: highly recommended!

I have read two previous works by Lin and having enjoyed them, I remained on the lookout for more work. The premise for this one instantly piqued my interest: "My Fair Lady" reworked to historical China? Yes, please! I have a soft sport for "My Fair Lady" that is only marred by my intense loathing of Rex Harrison (read about him-he's a jerk!) But this book would have no Harrison, just using the Pygmalion story. I could not wait to pick it up!

And I found this to be even better than I was expecting! That would be mostly because of the characters. The main characters are very concerned with honor and with doing the right thing even when it conflicts with their own personal wants. The tension of them wanting each other but thinking it's the wrong thing kept me glued to the pages.

The book actually opens with hero Fei Long barging in on his sister, who I originally thought had been stolen and sold into prostitution. Nothing quite so dire-instead she ran away with her lover to avoid her fate of being sent out of the country as a princess bride in order to make an alliance for China. The siblings had been close so Fei Long does allow her to leave despite the dishonor it will bring on their family, which weighs heavily upon him in the aftermath of their father's demise and crippling debts. To ponder his quandary, Fei Long orders tea and sits there for hours.

Yan Ling has no family and has been very fortunate to be given a servant position in the local teahouse. Without that job, she has nothing. So when she tosses tea at Fei Long after an arrogant comment, she is in big trouble. She begs him to help her and he realizes that she might prove useful in taking the place of his sister as a bride. First though she must undergo thorough training in manners, speaking, writing, posture, etc. and all in only a few short months. But as the two spend time together, sparks start to fly, complicating their already complicated position.

I really don't think I can say enough about how much I enjoyed the slow burn of their romance. Neither particularly likes the other at first and they continually butt heads. It's just that the more time they spend together, the more they fall but the more impossible it all seems. Fei Long must maintain his family's honor including getting them out of the crippling debt his father led them into. He has servants who have served them for generations and he is also responsible for them. Meanwhile Yan Ling recognizes his situation and wants to uphold her promise of going while really all she wants to do is stay. For the most part, they don't touch and they stay away but nothing can dull the passion they feel.

Overall: I just adored this book-it was SO good, combining romance, history, amazing descriptions of food, some action, and some suspense all with strong characters and excellent writing. Highly recommended!

Cover: Um, he's kind of hot! I'm trying not to stare at him right now but I kind of want to; I am definitely putting myself in Yan Ling's shoes right now. (less)

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Apr 16, 2013 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to me on Amazon, or I never would've heard of it! The classic Pygmalion story set in Tang Dynasty China was irresistible so I gave it a try and enjoyed it; I don't read a ton of romance, I'm more of a mystery or historical fiction buff, but I've been on a romance kick lately (trying to avoid the news I normally devour on a daily basis, I guess!), and this was different and fun. I learned some interesting history about a period I'd never read much about before, always a plus to histor...more

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May 27, 2012 Linda Morris rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love Jeannie Lin's style. The words "tasteful restraint" come to mind. She writes well-researched stories set in Tang dynasty China. Besides the very tender and romantic love story, her works also educate me, in an entertaining way, about many interesting aspects of Chinese culture. This book spends some time on calligraphy, for example--so fascinating. Her books are something of a throwback to the well-researched historicals in the 80s and 90s that weren't always, always, always set in Regenc...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Phair rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance

Cute premise. I enjoyed the depictions of medieval Chinese culture- excellent descriptions & nicely developed characters. Very easy to visualize the settings. I don't often read romances & found the scenes of love making a bit tiresome. I'm old-school where the emphasis is on the longing with consummation more discreet & limited to the final scene if at all. I did see the "solution" to the romantic dilemma coming a mile off but it was still a reasonably fun read especially for the i...more

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May 23, 2012 Joy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book ate my day. It arrived from Amazon this morning and I just finished it. I got nothing else accomplished at all, but I don't care. Ms. Lin is becoming second to no one when it comes to historical detail, character development, and romance that is about more than just the call of the wild--although there is chemistry between the hero and the heroine, never fear.

Add to that, how she's managed to invigorate one of the creakiest tropes in the genre, and well, just read the book. You won't b...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Stella rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, for-review, historical, romance

Short review:

My Fair Concubine was a wonderful and very memorable story. I loved this vibrant and exotic China where Jeannie Lin took me, it was full of colours and interesting customs. The writing was unique and conveyed the atmosphere of Ancient China perfectly and the characters were also wonderful. I believe I have discovered a new favourite author and I wholeheartedly recommend My Fair Concubine for any historical romance lover!

Detailed review:

I’ve been always fascinated by China and its ri...more

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Sep 11, 2012 Carole Rae rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Tang series by Jeannie Lin. However, I feel like this could stand pretty well as a stand-alone. ^.^

Ahhhhh a 'My Fair Lady' remake of sorts. Just the plot alone made me drooling to read it. Well, the man on the cover also had something to do with it hehehe. *drools* But yes, the cover is simply lovely! My favorite cover out of all three books.

Yan Ling is just a tea girl who is trying to hold her tongue and do her job, when Fei Long makes one grand entrance at the pl...more This is the third book in the Tang series by Jeannie Lin. However, I feel like this could stand pretty well as a stand-alone. ^.^

Ahhhhh a 'My Fair Lady' remake of sorts. Just the plot alone made me drooling to read it. Well, the man on the cover also had something to do with it hehehe. *drools* But yes, the cover is simply lovely! My favorite cover out of all three books.

Yan Ling is just a tea girl who is trying to hold her tongue and do her job, when Fei Long makes one grand entrance at the place she works. He has two months to find and train a replacement for his sister as a "princess" and be sent to marry a foreign chieftain. For some reason he picks the scrawny tea girl.

It was a fun and cute read just like the other two books in the Tang series. I really loved watching these two dance around each other and try to honor the plan. It did take a while for these two to finally admit feelings for each other. When the first kiss was given I nearly jumped for joy! However, I find that the length of time seems realistic for not only these two proud characters, but for the culture and time period.

Jeannie Lin did a wonderful job bringing Tang Dynasty China to life. She paid very close details to the etiquette and culture. Not only was Yan Ling learning the proper ways of being a noblewoman, but I felt like I learned a lot. If I ever got lost in time travel and ended up in Ancient China, I feel like I would stand more of a chance. *ponders* I wonder if I would meet a man like Fei Long. Mmmm......

Anyways.....everything seemed nicely answered at the end. There was only one thing left unanswered, but I believe there is another book coming out (or is out) that will further will it. I can not say much, because it would spoil the entire book.

All-in-all, I really liked this book. It wasn't as good as Dragon and the Pearl, which is the second book, but I did enjoy it. It seemed a wee but slow at points, but I had a hard time putting this down. I loved the characters, the plot, and how Jeannie Lin painted Ancient China. Not only was I entertained, but I feel like I learned a lot about this time period and culture. I would recommend this to those who love Historical Romance and for those that need a trip to a different location. I grant this 4 stars.

Favorite Character(s): Fei Long (*drools*), Yan Ling (a strong woman), and Dao.
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Zao (wanted to kick him), Pearl (mmmmm though her appearance was limited, but annoyed me), and Lady Min (don't know why, but she annoyed me too)(less)

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My Fair Concubine (Tang Dynasty #3)

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