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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
I love the setting of an HR in ancient China with the murder mystery twist! Such an interesting read
Ohhh, I liked this. There were definitely things I really wish were delved into a bit more, but I did have a great time reading this. While I was reading (and even now) I was unsure if the mystery or the romance was meant to take center stage - this is not a bad thing. I like my romances with a mystery aspect and my mysteries with romance, so this worked for me. I do wish there were a few more discussions that happened between Yue-ying and Bai Huang regarding their physical relationship, but I like them. I like his idealist tendencies and somewhat insane impulsiveness. I liked her pragmatism and more logical approach to things.
That said, I think for me the strongest aspect of this book was the setting. I'll admit, my knowledge of Chinese history is limited and I've forgotten a lot from when I was in school, but I really enjoyed learning more about the lives of the courtesans and scholars that are depicted here. And I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
That said, I think for me the strongest aspect of this book was the setting. I'll admit, my knowledge of Chinese history is limited and I've forgotten a lot from when I was in school, but I really enjoyed learning more about the lives of the courtesans and scholars that are depicted here. And I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
This book is a little too long, but I enjoyed a historical romance set somewhere other than England/Scotland
A great combination of romance, mystery, and Chinese history by a master storyteller. I will look for more books by Jeannie Lin.
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I'm not entirely sure what I wanted out of this book, although I'm pretty sure I didn't get it. It was fine, I enjoyed it. I think my problem was that there were all these extremely interesting women in this book and we did not get to spend enough time with any of them because the focus was on the relationship with this guy. And, yes, it's a romance novel, the main characters should take stage, but it should also feel like I want them there rather than that all the interesting people are having conversations in the margins while the main characters pine.
Very enjoyable read. Somehow light, while not shying away from some serious themes too.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A fun mystery that teaches of the historical context of a Chinese city. An interesting investigation that had me questioning potential routes, albeit perhaps an expected ending. Nonetheless a quick and fun read!
adventurous
hopeful
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Didn't finish. I thought it would be more murder mystery than romance. It wasn't bad but wasn't what I was wanting