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mamacita88's review
adventurous
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicide and Domestic abuse
blodeuedd's review
3.0
These are so fun! China over a thousand years ago. Romance, danger, fun! There is nothing like it. I have said it before, but yes what I like the best is the fact that it is set in China. It's different. It's fresh. It's good.
In this one former rebel leader Yang is on the run. He is seen with a woman. Her dad gets mad and boom! They are married. But Jin-mei does not mind. She wants more from life, and he is hot. But then there is the whole I am on the run, I can't have a wife thing.
Sure they are married, but they get to know each other after that. They fall in love after they have met and it was a nice journey to see. Also there is danger as people are after him. I do like romance and danger. I even liked quiet village life (they went though a village), because it was new to me.
This is a different sort of historical romance. Broaden your horizon, and visit China. There is romance, swords and dangers to be had.
In this one former rebel leader Yang is on the run. He is seen with a woman. Her dad gets mad and boom! They are married. But Jin-mei does not mind. She wants more from life, and he is hot. But then there is the whole I am on the run, I can't have a wife thing.
Sure they are married, but they get to know each other after that. They fall in love after they have met and it was a nice journey to see. Also there is danger as people are after him. I do like romance and danger. I even liked quiet village life (they went though a village), because it was new to me.
This is a different sort of historical romance. Broaden your horizon, and visit China. There is romance, swords and dangers to be had.
dhee_reads's review
5.0
It's not insta-love, it's more insta-commitment. Then comes lust, like and finally love. This is a progression that I like. And in true Lin fashion, it exceeds expectations. Great use of classic romance conflicts. Reread worthy.
I feel guilty for liking Bao Yang. He is inconsiderate in big way. Luckily, it's a part of the conflict. And while I do like how Lin goes about the story, it is a quicker resolution than I prefer. Caveat:
I feel guilty for liking Bao Yang. He is inconsiderate in big way. Luckily, it's a part of the conflict. And while I do like how Lin goes about the story, it is a quicker resolution than I prefer. Caveat:
Spoiler
I want them together but I hate that he just does what he wants knowing how she feels and just apologizes afterward.wildwolverine's review
4.0
In some ways, A Dance with Danger has the most in common with Regency and Victorian romance novels compared to anything else Jeannie Lin has written. The hero and heroine hastily marry because the two have been found in a compromising position. The heroine's reputation is tarnished unless they marry immediately. However, this is where all similarities end. As soon as the two are married, everything goes to hell. Yang and Jin-Mei must find their way back to each other both literally and figuratively.
While most romance novels have a filthy rich hero living in a luxurious mansion so readers can fantasize both about the romance and the money, Jeannie Lin bucks tradition. For the majority of the novel, Jin-men and Yang are on the run. They wear practical clothing as they hide in the bulk of a ship, take shelter in a rural town, and seek refuge in forests and caves. There's nothing glamorous about this story, but it more than makes up for it with adventure. Pirates, intrigue, fantastic locations like the Stone Forest. It's all so exciting, and all through these events, our hero and heroine get closer and more intimate. Their romance is so satisfying, probably one of the most satisfying of all of Lin's couples, and definitely more satisfying than a lot of romances out there.
One of Lin's shortcomings, I feel, are her endings. They often feel too rushed. However, this is one of those times where she sticks the landing. Everything is deliciously dramatic. The final showdown, the final conflict that pulls the couple apart, their reconciliation. So much angst. So much excitement.
The only actual shortcoming of this novel was Jin-mei. Overall, I really liked her character, but a driving force for her character is honesty. When her father proves to be dishonest (by her logic), she runs away with her husband Bao Yang. Yet, Yang is no better than her father, but the mental gymnastics she does to justify staying with Yang versus staying mad at her father is just dizzying. I felt she was too naive and didn't really see how she was "just as crafty as her father". Her character could've been tightened up.
Overall, another great novel by Jeannie Lin that is worth the read. Such a shame this was her last Harlequin novel. I would read all of them.
While most romance novels have a filthy rich hero living in a luxurious mansion so readers can fantasize both about the romance and the money, Jeannie Lin bucks tradition. For the majority of the novel, Jin-men and Yang are on the run. They wear practical clothing as they hide in the bulk of a ship, take shelter in a rural town, and seek refuge in forests and caves. There's nothing glamorous about this story, but it more than makes up for it with adventure. Pirates, intrigue, fantastic locations like the Stone Forest. It's all so exciting, and all through these events, our hero and heroine get closer and more intimate. Their romance is so satisfying, probably one of the most satisfying of all of Lin's couples, and definitely more satisfying than a lot of romances out there.
One of Lin's shortcomings, I feel, are her endings. They often feel too rushed. However, this is one of those times where she sticks the landing. Everything is deliciously dramatic. The final showdown, the final conflict that pulls the couple apart, their reconciliation. So much angst. So much excitement.
The only actual shortcoming of this novel was Jin-mei. Overall, I really liked her character, but a driving force for her character is honesty. When her father proves to be dishonest (by her logic), she runs away with her husband Bao Yang. Yet, Yang is no better than her father, but the mental gymnastics she does to justify staying with Yang versus staying mad at her father is just dizzying. I felt she was too naive and didn't really see how she was "just as crafty as her father". Her character could've been tightened up.
Overall, another great novel by Jeannie Lin that is worth the read. Such a shame this was her last Harlequin novel. I would read all of them.
kstep1805's review
4.0
I was worried after Sword Dancer that I would be disappointed again but this book was delightful. The chemistry between the characters and the gorgeous scenery really drew me in.
mezzythedragon's review
3.0
Really 2.5. Not sure Bao Yang and Jin-mei can last if honesty has been a problem and likely will remain as one, despite declarations to the contrary. Not one of Lin's best.
dhee_pa's review
5.0
It's not insta-love, it's more insta-commitment. Then comes lust, like and finally love. This is a progression that I like. And in true Lin fashion, it exceeds expectations. Great use of classic romance conflicts. Reread worthy.
I feel guilty for liking Bao Yang. He is inconsiderate in big way. Luckily, it's a part of the conflict. And while I do like how Lin goes about the story, it is a quicker resolution than I prefer. Caveat:
I feel guilty for liking Bao Yang. He is inconsiderate in big way. Luckily, it's a part of the conflict. And while I do like how Lin goes about the story, it is a quicker resolution than I prefer. Caveat:
Spoiler
I want them together but I hate that he just does what he wants knowing how she feels and just apologizes afterward.jamiedarlin's review
I'm not a romance novel kind of gal—it's just not a genre I am drawn to. I needed to read one, though, for the 2019 Book Riot Read Harder challenge (historical romance by an author of color), so I chose this one. And I was pleasantly surprised. The story was compelling, the characters were likable (although Jin-mei got a little irksome from time to time with her fretting), and I enjoyed the little dip into history and did my best not to be critical of any historically inaccurate bits (I know that's not the point of romance). All in all, if you, like me, don't love a romance, you'll more than likely find this one dare I say it, enjoyable.
kponturo's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Death
nicolet2018's review
4.0
Jeannie Lin does it again. Honestly, I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did.
I love reading about the Tang Dynasty. There is something about that time and the way its traditions are upheld that is so fascinating. It stills carries on to modern day. Family and honour. Gosh, I love how the author focuses on family for all her characters. The emphasis cannot be denied. The bonds of family will carry us through the toughest times.
I like that Jin Mei was someone the reader could relate to and get behind. What more that she turned out to be more than a sheltered rich girl. It was good to see depth in the male character, Bao Yang. The story focuses on him and his demons. It makes the reader and Yang wonder, is revenge worth it? and at what cost?
I like how the author focuses on the outlaws and bandits as well. Also on how the officials who are suppose to uphold justice sin as much as the common man. The author paints an authentic picture of the time period. At least I feel that way. The richness of the words illustrated the world of the Tang Dynasty so well.
The first time sex was realistic. Woohoo for that. The other scenes were steamy. oh la la! Never knew how steamy stories set in ancient China could be until Jeannie Lin's books.
Another thing I have to applaud is the plot. You never know when things will take a turn and man did they ever in this book. At first I was as confused as Jin Mei and it made it all the more exciting. However I felt the ending was rushed. I predict the next book will be on Shi Fen and Liu Yuan.
I love reading about the Tang Dynasty. There is something about that time and the way its traditions are upheld that is so fascinating. It stills carries on to modern day. Family and honour. Gosh, I love how the author focuses on family for all her characters. The emphasis cannot be denied. The bonds of family will carry us through the toughest times.
I like that Jin Mei was someone the reader could relate to and get behind. What more that she turned out to be more than a sheltered rich girl. It was good to see depth in the male character, Bao Yang. The story focuses on him and his demons. It makes the reader and Yang wonder, is revenge worth it? and at what cost?
I like how the author focuses on the outlaws and bandits as well. Also on how the officials who are suppose to uphold justice sin as much as the common man. The author paints an authentic picture of the time period. At least I feel that way. The richness of the words illustrated the world of the Tang Dynasty so well.
The first time sex was realistic. Woohoo for that. The other scenes were steamy. oh la la! Never knew how steamy stories set in ancient China could be until Jeannie Lin's books.
Another thing I have to applaud is the plot. You never know when things will take a turn and man did they ever in this book. At first I was as confused as Jin Mei and it made it all the more exciting. However I felt the ending was rushed. I predict the next book will be on Shi Fen and Liu Yuan.