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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.5/5
this was definitely more romance than mystery but i genuinely loved this! the interesting and strong main leads were truly the highlight of the story. my only gripe is the fact that the ending felt a little too convenient and easy although it still worked. i'll definitely be reading more from this author.
this was definitely more romance than mystery but i genuinely loved this! the interesting and strong main leads were truly the highlight of the story. my only gripe is the fact that the ending felt a little too convenient and easy although it still worked. i'll definitely be reading more from this author.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A murder mystery and a romance—my favorite things! The slow courtship was a delight to watch, and I appreciated how Bai Huang had to learn more about Yue-ying‘s trauma to love her in a way that worked for them both.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual violence, Slavery
Yue-ying lived life the way she was expected to, as a servant she does not take for granted what her Courtesan employer has done for her. Yue-ying makes a habit of studying the patrons who are trying to win her Courtesan's favors, she pays attention to all of her surroundings in order to have knowledge in case it is ever needed.
When Bai Huang, a privileged playboy begins to pay Yue-ying attention, she quickly puts him in his place, after all they both have their stations in life and there are lines you do not cross. However, Bai doesn't see it that way, he finds Yue-ying's direct manner refreshing and when a murder of one of the Courtesan's leads to an investigation, Bai joins forces with Yue-ying. Although Yue-ying plans to keep Bai at a comfortable distance, her heart becomes involved and when Bai offers to have her become his concubine, Yue-ying is torn on wanting a life with Bai and doing what is right for Bai.
Majestic, mysterious, and sensual story. I thought this was written with a richness that flows throughout the story. Yue-ying is a captivating heroine, she is not educated in one sense, but her intellect in observation is remarkable. Bai is initially a poofed up playboy who gets what he wants, but when Yue-ying calls him on it, his humility brings him back down to earth. There are layers to this story that magnify everything that happens between Yue-ying and Bai. High praise for Jeannie Lin and her ability to pen such a beautiful story.
When Bai Huang, a privileged playboy begins to pay Yue-ying attention, she quickly puts him in his place, after all they both have their stations in life and there are lines you do not cross. However, Bai doesn't see it that way, he finds Yue-ying's direct manner refreshing and when a murder of one of the Courtesan's leads to an investigation, Bai joins forces with Yue-ying. Although Yue-ying plans to keep Bai at a comfortable distance, her heart becomes involved and when Bai offers to have her become his concubine, Yue-ying is torn on wanting a life with Bai and doing what is right for Bai.
Majestic, mysterious, and sensual story. I thought this was written with a richness that flows throughout the story. Yue-ying is a captivating heroine, she is not educated in one sense, but her intellect in observation is remarkable. Bai is initially a poofed up playboy who gets what he wants, but when Yue-ying calls him on it, his humility brings him back down to earth. There are layers to this story that magnify everything that happens between Yue-ying and Bai. High praise for Jeannie Lin and her ability to pen such a beautiful story.
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Trafficking, Kidnapping
Moderate: Murder
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The romance is so good. This is exactly what I wanted when I read historical romance. Maybe the problem is with western setting? I feel like the historical romance genre has no difference with the contemporary romance, other than the setting and the misogynistic male leads, which is why I wasn't the biggest historical romance fan. But The Lotus Palace is exactly what I want from a historical romance!
Jeannie Lin is so good at writing the romance. It was such a great slow burn romance!!! The pacing was very slow so I was struggling a bit at first, but she did such a good job with making me care for Yue-ying and Bai Huang indivially and together. I love that Yue-ying never lose her practicality and reason. I also live that while Bai Huang is a romantic and idealistic (because of his priviledges), he never tried to change Yue-ying. Instead he tries to see things her way and understood her. Gosh, the romance is so good! I can't repeat this enough! I wish I have a better English skill to write my feelings...
The only complaint I have is the mystery aspect. I feel like it was lacking? It definitely wasn't written as well as the romance. I found myself not caring about it.
I can't wait to read other books by Jeannie Lin! I know that Constable Wu is in love with Mingyu (although she hates him right now, which is rightfully for her) so I assume they have their own book.
Jeannie Lin is so good at writing the romance. It was such a great slow burn romance!!! The pacing was very slow so I was struggling a bit at first, but she did such a good job with making me care for Yue-ying and Bai Huang indivially and together. I love that Yue-ying never lose her practicality and reason. I also live that while Bai Huang is a romantic and idealistic (because of his priviledges), he never tried to change Yue-ying. Instead he tries to see things her way and understood her. Gosh, the romance is so good! I can't repeat this enough! I wish I have a better English skill to write my feelings...
The only complaint I have is the mystery aspect. I feel like it was lacking? It definitely wasn't written as well as the romance. I found myself not caring about it.
I can't wait to read other books by Jeannie Lin! I know that Constable Wu is in love with Mingyu (although she hates him right now, which is rightfully for her) so I assume they have their own book.
