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Princess Shanyin #1
The Obsession
A scorching saga of power and desire, inspired by the true story of an imperial princess famous for keeping a harem of thirty male concubines.
Princess Shanyin has a harem of male concubines to serve her every need, but from the moment she sees the handsome Chu Yuan, she has to have him. At her request, the Emperor gives the aristocrat over to Shanyin for her pleasure, setting off a power play of sensual torment and control between them. Trapped in Shanyin’s harem for ten days, will the proud Yuan surrender to his own dark desires, or will he turn the tables on the seductive princess?
Princess Shanyin has a harem of male concubines to serve her every need, but from the moment she sees the handsome Chu Yuan, she has to have him. At her request, the Emperor gives the aristocrat over to Shanyin for her pleasure, setting off a power play of sensual torment and control between them. Trapped in Shanyin’s harem for ten days, will the proud Yuan surrender to his own dark desires, or will he turn the tables on the seductive princess?
160 pages, ebook
First published October 4, 2014
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442 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
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January 31, 2015I can't even describe how much I loved this book.
Let me explain you a thing: I love series like Rome and Spartacus for their decadent, wicked, delightfully despicable female noblewomen characters. This book is like that: except with wall to wall sex. Princess Shanyin is unapologetic, powerful, lustful . . . and her world is spinning out of control thanks to the behaviour of her brother, the Emperor. There's political intrigue, danger, violence, and THIRTY MALE CONCUBINES. and one nobleman she's compelled to serve her, who won't submit and thus becomes the object of the title Obsession.
It's so sexy and luscious, and I loved Princess Shanyin from the first line of the first page. Will be purchasing and devouring the next two books in this series in short order.
Highly recommended if you, like me, enjoy powerful, shameless women getting into all kinds of trouble in debauched historical settings.
And orgies. And threesomes. And so much pussy eating.
:melts into a puddle:
oh and before you think this is all sex sex sex, there's genuine danger and violence and heartbreak and fear, too.
If premium cable made a miniseries of this with a cast of the world's sexiest East Asian actors, I could die happy.
Let me explain you a thing: I love series like Rome and Spartacus for their decadent, wicked, delightfully despicable female noblewomen characters. This book is like that: except with wall to wall sex. Princess Shanyin is unapologetic, powerful, lustful . . . and her world is spinning out of control thanks to the behaviour of her brother, the Emperor. There's political intrigue, danger, violence, and THIRTY MALE CONCUBINES. and one nobleman she's compelled to serve her, who won't submit and thus becomes the object of the title Obsession.
It's so sexy and luscious, and I loved Princess Shanyin from the first line of the first page. Will be purchasing and devouring the next two books in this series in short order.
Highly recommended if you, like me, enjoy powerful, shameless women getting into all kinds of trouble in debauched historical settings.
And orgies. And threesomes. And so much pussy eating.
:melts into a puddle:
oh and before you think this is all sex sex sex, there's genuine danger and violence and heartbreak and fear, too.
If premium cable made a miniseries of this with a cast of the world's sexiest East Asian actors, I could die happy.
July 16, 2015
4.5 stars
Bloody freaking brilliant. One of the best books I've read in a very long time. I grabbed it up as a freebie, and even though it is no longer free, I'd happily spent the low price of $1 for it, hell I'd pay more than that for it!
I'll admit the fact it was tagged as historical, had it not been free, I possibly wouldn't have bought it, and that would have been a crying shame.
LOVED the characters, the plot, the world building. The sexy time was oh so delicious. Oh-la-la ***be still my throbbingclit heart.
Highly recommended to lovers of ménage MMF, with the female in control of her own pleasure...well for the most part ;)
Bloody freaking brilliant. One of the best books I've read in a very long time. I grabbed it up as a freebie, and even though it is no longer free, I'd happily spent the low price of $1 for it, hell I'd pay more than that for it!
I'll admit the fact it was tagged as historical, had it not been free, I possibly wouldn't have bought it, and that would have been a crying shame.
LOVED the characters, the plot, the world building. The sexy time was oh so delicious. Oh-la-la ***be still my throbbing
Highly recommended to lovers of ménage MMF, with the female in control of her own pleasure...well for the most part ;)
January 1, 2015
Um ... I need the rest of this series. Now.
4.5 stars: almost 5 stars except it wasn't quite long or developed enough for me, but I think that will be solved by reading the next two in the series, I think they'll work better as a set.
4.5 stars: almost 5 stars except it wasn't quite long or developed enough for me, but I think that will be solved by reading the next two in the series, I think they'll work better as a set.
September 25, 2014
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. I loved the writing, the unusual setting, the characters and the twisted love story. This is a no-holds barred freakfest. Well, sort of.
Princess Shanyin has a harem of men to fulfill her every desire. Her brother is Emperor at 17, and he's a monster. She escapes into sex and decadence. When she sees handsome soldier Yuan, she demands he serve her for 10 days. He refuses to penetrate her but they engage in other naughty acts. It's a delicious power play. At one point she throws her jade dildo at him. She's wicked and terrible and vulnerable and I loved her.
Yuan is hot and noble. He tries to resist her sexually and she tries not to develop feelings for him. Both fail and it's amazing. When Yuan says "You weaken me," my knees went weak. So many beautiful lines and political backstabbing and bloody horrors.
And when she drinks the tea, my heart stopped.
My favorite read of 2014. I can't wait for the next installment.
Princess Shanyin has a harem of men to fulfill her every desire. Her brother is Emperor at 17, and he's a monster. She escapes into sex and decadence. When she sees handsome soldier Yuan, she demands he serve her for 10 days. He refuses to penetrate her but they engage in other naughty acts. It's a delicious power play. At one point she throws her jade dildo at him. She's wicked and terrible and vulnerable and I loved her.
Yuan is hot and noble. He tries to resist her sexually and she tries not to develop feelings for him. Both fail and it's amazing. When Yuan says "You weaken me," my knees went weak. So many beautiful lines and political backstabbing and bloody horrors.
And when she drinks the tea, my heart stopped.
My favorite read of 2014. I can't wait for the next installment.
January 13, 2023
You probably noticed that we've loved reading Jeannie Lin lately. Well, we took a detour into one of her side projects, under the name Liliana Lee: the Princess Shanyin Saga. It's based on the historical figure of Princess Shanyin, who had a harem of 30 men. Unlike Lin's historical romances, this saga is erotica without a traditional HEA.
The first book of the saga, The Obsession, is a fictionalization of a historical 10-day battle of wills between Shanyin and courtier Chu Yuan. Yuan supposedly held out IRL. In Lee's book, the basic story is there, but Shanyin's exploits are used to explore the limits of power. Her actions are also used as the means of exploring her complex character.
Shanyin never expresses shame for her sexuality. The reader comes to realize that while she seems to be in control - and certainly uses her power to compel obedience from the enslaved men in her harem - she is also in a tenuous position at court. Her brother is capricious and tyrannous, and his reign is imperiled. She's begged on several occasions by high-placed courtiers to use her sway over her brother to change the way he rules the country, but chooses instead to wield her influence in smaller ways: saving a concubine or lessening punishments rather than sweeping reforms.
Her relationship with Chu Yuan is incredibly complex. He has been forced to serve her and has no way of refusing her advances. His only source of power lies in his ability to consent - or not. As the days pass, he and Shanyin begin to understand each other, even as they remained locked in a power dynamic that can't be resolved.
As mentioned above, this is historical erotica, not erotic romance or historical romance. Most of the 140 pages of this short book are devoted to Shanyin's sexual escapades as Yuan variously observes, participates, or unwillingly pines. But that's enough for this book to comment on power, morality, good governance, and human relationships.
It's highly recommended if you think you can handle it!
The first book of the saga, The Obsession, is a fictionalization of a historical 10-day battle of wills between Shanyin and courtier Chu Yuan. Yuan supposedly held out IRL. In Lee's book, the basic story is there, but Shanyin's exploits are used to explore the limits of power. Her actions are also used as the means of exploring her complex character.
Shanyin never expresses shame for her sexuality. The reader comes to realize that while she seems to be in control - and certainly uses her power to compel obedience from the enslaved men in her harem - she is also in a tenuous position at court. Her brother is capricious and tyrannous, and his reign is imperiled. She's begged on several occasions by high-placed courtiers to use her sway over her brother to change the way he rules the country, but chooses instead to wield her influence in smaller ways: saving a concubine or lessening punishments rather than sweeping reforms.
Her relationship with Chu Yuan is incredibly complex. He has been forced to serve her and has no way of refusing her advances. His only source of power lies in his ability to consent - or not. As the days pass, he and Shanyin begin to understand each other, even as they remained locked in a power dynamic that can't be resolved.
As mentioned above, this is historical erotica, not erotic romance or historical romance. Most of the 140 pages of this short book are devoted to Shanyin's sexual escapades as Yuan variously observes, participates, or unwillingly pines. But that's enough for this book to comment on power, morality, good governance, and human relationships.
It's highly recommended if you think you can handle it!
October 5, 2021
"The Obsession" by Liliana Lee is a new author and first time read to this reader. This was a very interesting story as it was inspired by true events. Although there is a plot somewhere in this story, I think it was overshadowed by the abundance of sexual exploits of the heroine. Knowing she could get the man she wanted, set off a driven need to conquer him. It was her misfortune that she became the conquered one. I usually don't like cliffhangers and this one has one leading into the second book in the series. If it is much like this first one, then I will have to pass as I need more substance in the story than just sexual acts and wanting.
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March 12, 2021This book is currently FREE on Kindle Unlimited: 3/10-3/14:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6Y4XPY
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6Y4XPY
March 8, 2015
I really liked this, thought it rides right on the line between dub-con and non-con. Full review coming.
February 22, 2017
Reading Challenge 2017
16 out of 50 books read
Page count so far: 5932
To be honest for a long time I've been slightly interested in the concept of the reverse harem genre in which a woman is in charge of a harem of men attending to her every need. So you can imagine my delight and surprise when I found out that a Princess has 30 concubines. My only concern at first was how the matter was going to be handled, however I had nothing to worry about as I felt it was tasteful and appealing in terms of the menage scenes.
There's quite a varied selection of characters and they're all interesting in their own little way. Princess Shanyin can be too overbearing and demanding at times, but as the story progressed I began to take a shine to her. There are so many layers of her personality - she is very sexual and has a hedonistic approach to the art of sex while at the same time there are some moments where she can be kind and merciful. I feel that her personality/character greatly counteracts her brother, the Emperor, due to the fact he's such a tyrant and he does so many questionable things. While the Emperor is very sadistic and unlikable, there are surprisingly honourable qualities to Shanyin that I can't help but to admire.
What really fascinated me from the start is the historical element of the story. The descriptions and backdrop of Ancient China was very beautifully written. It's so rare for a woman, especially in that particular age, to be outspoken and have power and dominance in a very male oriented society. And because of that, Shanyin is a strong heroine. And of course when it comes to the Royal Chinese family there will be plotting, vengeance, suspicion and outbreaks of rebellion.
I quite like the spark between Shanyin and Chu Yuan - their relationship seemed to be a game of tug of war in which Shanyin is determined to seduce Chu Yuan into bedding her and he refuses to bow to her demands. Their scenes were absolutely erotic (they done everything but have full sex) and it kept me on my toes as we learned more about them, particularly their background. One scene did come across as rapey though and that was when she was tied up and gagged by a mysterious person (when it was Yuan all along). A part of me was convinced he was going to force himself on her. Thankfully that never happened.
The ending blown me out of the water and the action was very fast paced and harrowing at times. I felt that the Emperor's assassination was well deserved - believe me, he definitely had it coming considering all the terrible things he done. And the reunion between Shanyin and Yuan was bittersweet and sexy at the same time. I admit after she drunk the poisoned tea I thought she was dead and the first few paragraphs of the epilogue had me feeling sad until I realised she was still alive while escaping from the palace.
Overall, this was a fantastic read full of sensual intrigue and a vivid historical backdrop. If you like erotica mixed with the ancient world, then you'll be in for a real treat.
16 out of 50 books read
Page count so far: 5932
To be honest for a long time I've been slightly interested in the concept of the reverse harem genre in which a woman is in charge of a harem of men attending to her every need. So you can imagine my delight and surprise when I found out that a Princess has 30 concubines. My only concern at first was how the matter was going to be handled, however I had nothing to worry about as I felt it was tasteful and appealing in terms of the menage scenes.
There's quite a varied selection of characters and they're all interesting in their own little way. Princess Shanyin can be too overbearing and demanding at times, but as the story progressed I began to take a shine to her. There are so many layers of her personality - she is very sexual and has a hedonistic approach to the art of sex while at the same time there are some moments where she can be kind and merciful. I feel that her personality/character greatly counteracts her brother, the Emperor, due to the fact he's such a tyrant and he does so many questionable things. While the Emperor is very sadistic and unlikable, there are surprisingly honourable qualities to Shanyin that I can't help but to admire.
What really fascinated me from the start is the historical element of the story. The descriptions and backdrop of Ancient China was very beautifully written. It's so rare for a woman, especially in that particular age, to be outspoken and have power and dominance in a very male oriented society. And because of that, Shanyin is a strong heroine. And of course when it comes to the Royal Chinese family there will be plotting, vengeance, suspicion and outbreaks of rebellion.
I quite like the spark between Shanyin and Chu Yuan - their relationship seemed to be a game of tug of war in which Shanyin is determined to seduce Chu Yuan into bedding her and he refuses to bow to her demands. Their scenes were absolutely erotic (they done everything but have full sex) and it kept me on my toes as we learned more about them, particularly their background. One scene did come across as rapey though and that was when she was tied up and gagged by a mysterious person (when it was Yuan all along). A part of me was convinced he was going to force himself on her. Thankfully that never happened.
The ending blown me out of the water and the action was very fast paced and harrowing at times. I felt that the Emperor's assassination was well deserved - believe me, he definitely had it coming considering all the terrible things he done. And the reunion between Shanyin and Yuan was bittersweet and sexy at the same time. I admit after she drunk the poisoned tea I thought she was dead and the first few paragraphs of the epilogue had me feeling sad until I realised she was still alive while escaping from the palace.
Overall, this was a fantastic read full of sensual intrigue and a vivid historical backdrop. If you like erotica mixed with the ancient world, then you'll be in for a real treat.
December 12, 2025
Another one I pulled out to finish a bingo board--I have had this one for absolute ages and never got around to it because erotic romance isn't really my thing, even if Jeannie Lin is a tremendously talented writer which holds true here as well.
September 10, 2014
Title - The Obsession (Princess Shanyin #1)
Author - Liliana Lee
Source - Net Galley (I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a honest review)
Summary
"...History will not remember me kindly, nor do I want it to. The book of our dynasty will say many things about me: that I was cruel, that I was decadent and depraved. They will claim that my pleasures were perverse in nature. Let me tell you that these things are all true...and not true..."
Princess Shanyin, elder sister to the Emperor Ziye has dealt with the palace intrigues and scandals. She has enjoyed her position immensely as her younger, seventeen year old, brother sat upon the throne. Over thirty men made up her harem of lovers. Their names fitted onto tiles she would turn over to summon them to her bed. Her bed spacious enough for ten, though she preferred two or three at a time.
"...People like to tell a story about me and my imperial brother, and how I came to possess a harem. I lamented to Ziye once, after her took the throne, about the hardships of being a woman.
"Though our genders are different, we have the same father," I pointed out. "Yet you have more than ten thousand women in your palace for your pleasure, while I am only allowed one husband. That is hardly fair."
Amused by my audacity, the Emporer gifted me with thirty male concubines, my cherished and skilled harem of lovers.
Oh, what a wicked, immoral woman I am. And how perverse my brother was for indulging me..."
Lovers she commanded. From the acts they would perform to their own pleasure, all was in her control.
All but one.
Lord Chu Yuan. A newcomer to the palace. Young and strong. Much younger than the bureaucrats and retainers he served the Emperor with. Shanyin is at once curious and desiring of Yuan. But is it body she wants or his aloofness. For no one had dared before to deny himself to the Princess.
To indulge his sister's lust, Emperor Ziye sends Yuan to Shanyin's palace for ten days. Ten days for her to seduce him. Ten days for the Princess to take from Yuan an unbroken promise made to another.
But Yuan is far from unskilled and soon it is Shanyin who is on unsteady ground. Her desire for the young Lord overpowering her until she is no longer sure who is in command.
Ten days, ten days for Princess Shanyin to seduce her Obsession.
Review -
Wow. Seriously wow. The Obsession starts off at a furious pace and doesn't let up. Not just the sex, which there is plenty of and it is very intense. But the palace intrigue and the politics as Shanyin begins to realize that her position and power lay within the rule of her brother. Her brother whose own excesses are endangering them.
Sex for Shanyin is not just the pleasure, but the power. The control she has over her men and how ruthlessly she uses it. It is in the bedroom where she is catered to and can be her own empress. It is also a tool for revenge over men, a brief hint at pain she suffered at the hands of others as her brother came into power.
Shanyin desires to feel all men will be weaker than her and that is what drives her to break Yuan. That he rejects her though she can tell how much he wants her. Evident in his body as she continually strips him bare.
As a novel of erotica this is a very good read. Quick paced and laced with characters that are well rounded and well developed.
A very good read.
Author - Liliana Lee
Source - Net Galley (I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a honest review)
Summary
"...History will not remember me kindly, nor do I want it to. The book of our dynasty will say many things about me: that I was cruel, that I was decadent and depraved. They will claim that my pleasures were perverse in nature. Let me tell you that these things are all true...and not true..."
Princess Shanyin, elder sister to the Emperor Ziye has dealt with the palace intrigues and scandals. She has enjoyed her position immensely as her younger, seventeen year old, brother sat upon the throne. Over thirty men made up her harem of lovers. Their names fitted onto tiles she would turn over to summon them to her bed. Her bed spacious enough for ten, though she preferred two or three at a time.
"...People like to tell a story about me and my imperial brother, and how I came to possess a harem. I lamented to Ziye once, after her took the throne, about the hardships of being a woman.
"Though our genders are different, we have the same father," I pointed out. "Yet you have more than ten thousand women in your palace for your pleasure, while I am only allowed one husband. That is hardly fair."
Amused by my audacity, the Emporer gifted me with thirty male concubines, my cherished and skilled harem of lovers.
Oh, what a wicked, immoral woman I am. And how perverse my brother was for indulging me..."
Lovers she commanded. From the acts they would perform to their own pleasure, all was in her control.
All but one.
Lord Chu Yuan. A newcomer to the palace. Young and strong. Much younger than the bureaucrats and retainers he served the Emperor with. Shanyin is at once curious and desiring of Yuan. But is it body she wants or his aloofness. For no one had dared before to deny himself to the Princess.
To indulge his sister's lust, Emperor Ziye sends Yuan to Shanyin's palace for ten days. Ten days for her to seduce him. Ten days for the Princess to take from Yuan an unbroken promise made to another.
But Yuan is far from unskilled and soon it is Shanyin who is on unsteady ground. Her desire for the young Lord overpowering her until she is no longer sure who is in command.
Ten days, ten days for Princess Shanyin to seduce her Obsession.
Review -
Wow. Seriously wow. The Obsession starts off at a furious pace and doesn't let up. Not just the sex, which there is plenty of and it is very intense. But the palace intrigue and the politics as Shanyin begins to realize that her position and power lay within the rule of her brother. Her brother whose own excesses are endangering them.
Sex for Shanyin is not just the pleasure, but the power. The control she has over her men and how ruthlessly she uses it. It is in the bedroom where she is catered to and can be her own empress. It is also a tool for revenge over men, a brief hint at pain she suffered at the hands of others as her brother came into power.
Shanyin desires to feel all men will be weaker than her and that is what drives her to break Yuan. That he rejects her though she can tell how much he wants her. Evident in his body as she continually strips him bare.
As a novel of erotica this is a very good read. Quick paced and laced with characters that are well rounded and well developed.
A very good read.
February 28, 2015
Wow. Ok I have a few confessions to make: while I love Jeannie Lin's works (SWORD DANCER!!!!) I never thought much of her sex scenes, they felt perfunctory at best. So I was a little skeptical about this historical erotica. But she hit all her scenes out of the ballpark.
Second: so i can count the amount of erotica I've actually read on one hand, so take this with a grain of salt, but out of the erotica s I have read (and those I have not finished... Lol...) this is by far my absolute favourite so far. The dynamics between Shanyin and Yuan is SO FUCKED UP, intense mind games and power play and general mindfuckery--
(it very very loosely reminds me of Captive Prince, wherein you only get one POV and lots of mind fuckery, except maybe this is from.... Laurent's perspective?? But in this alternate universe he'd be really into sex???? Ok just the mind games part lol. )
ANYHOW all that boils down to the fact that these mind games make each interaction (sexual and otherwise) between Yuan and Shanyin SO TENSE, and I love it!
Buuuut and here lies spoilers so stay away spoiler phobes :
I am... Not sure how I feel about that ending. To be honest, I keep waiting for the day Jeannie Lin delivers me the traditional Chinese romance ending which is everyone commits suicide and gets reincarnated together or something. And for this story I guess... I wanted her to get the poison for real????? And maybe Yuan dies with her?? But no, she lives another day, but ends up as a courtesan as per summary of second book, and I'm just not feeling it. I love princess Shanyin and I don't want her princess title stripped away??
Not sure if I will check out the rest of the installments. I kinda want someone to spoil me for the fulfillment on what happens to Shanyin, so that I can decide if I wanna keep on reading.
Second: so i can count the amount of erotica I've actually read on one hand, so take this with a grain of salt, but out of the erotica s I have read (and those I have not finished... Lol...) this is by far my absolute favourite so far. The dynamics between Shanyin and Yuan is SO FUCKED UP, intense mind games and power play and general mindfuckery--
(it very very loosely reminds me of Captive Prince, wherein you only get one POV and lots of mind fuckery, except maybe this is from.... Laurent's perspective?? But in this alternate universe he'd be really into sex???? Ok just the mind games part lol. )
ANYHOW all that boils down to the fact that these mind games make each interaction (sexual and otherwise) between Yuan and Shanyin SO TENSE, and I love it!
Buuuut and here lies spoilers so stay away spoiler phobes :
I am... Not sure how I feel about that ending. To be honest, I keep waiting for the day Jeannie Lin delivers me the traditional Chinese romance ending which is everyone commits suicide and gets reincarnated together or something. And for this story I guess... I wanted her to get the poison for real????? And maybe Yuan dies with her?? But no, she lives another day, but ends up as a courtesan as per summary of second book, and I'm just not feeling it. I love princess Shanyin and I don't want her princess title stripped away??
Not sure if I will check out the rest of the installments. I kinda want someone to spoil me for the fulfillment on what happens to Shanyin, so that I can decide if I wanna keep on reading.
March 12, 2021
Spoiler Ahead
I normally don't read this type of historical read but this book was hot I mean wholly hell hot. Princess Shanyin has a harem of male concubines to serve her every sexual fantasy, but from the moment she sees the handsome Chu Yuan, she has to have him. At her request, the Emperor gives the aristocrat over to Shanyin for her pleasure, setting off a power play of sensual torment and dominance between them. Shanyin becomes obsessed with Yuan and did everything she could to get him into her bed. This book a lot of hot sex scenes menage toys and some bondage. Shanyin also had to deal with her brother and his erratic ways. This was my first time reading these authors and this is the first book in a new series too me. The book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling although it was light on the story line. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 7, 2022
3.5 stars
September 2022 reread: I picked up the second book and realized I remembered nothing of the politics of the first -it's just as enjoyable the second time around.
Original review:
I had no expectations for this book, picked up as a freebie eons ago, and wow was I taken for a ride. Political machinations! Intrigue! The worldbuilding is wonderful and the plot pulls you through. But do know that Princess Shanyin is a go getter and makes no apology for wanting to have sex. A lot of sex, of all kinds, with her concubines.
This book isn't for everyone but if you like erotica, don't mind shades of BDSM, like plot with your sex and you're looking to escape the world for an hour or two - The Obsession hits the spot.
Content notes:
September 2022 reread: I picked up the second book and realized I remembered nothing of the politics of the first -it's just as enjoyable the second time around.
Original review:
I had no expectations for this book, picked up as a freebie eons ago, and wow was I taken for a ride. Political machinations! Intrigue! The worldbuilding is wonderful and the plot pulls you through. But do know that Princess Shanyin is a go getter and makes no apology for wanting to have sex. A lot of sex, of all kinds, with her concubines.
This book isn't for everyone but if you like erotica, don't mind shades of BDSM, like plot with your sex and you're looking to escape the world for an hour or two - The Obsession hits the spot.
Content notes:
January 22, 2015
This novella was beautifully written, well paced and very sexy. I especially enjoyed the fact that it wasn't just about the sex. There was a wonderfully dramatic external story line, too. Set in ancient China, the author drew me into the time period/place from the first page. Excellent world-building. The author has created a heroine who is flawed -- immoral and practically insatiable, cruel and privileged -- and makes the reader care about her. This is the first in a trilogy. I look forward to reading the other two stories!
January 14, 2016
Nope. I did not enjoy this one. An unlikable self absorbed heroine, at best dubious consent (more like sexual assault by the heroine), and ending up being a serial "book". This was just not for me. Full review to come.
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Hrms. 1/4th in and just not feeling it. This is basically forced intimacy with the hero being reluctant. Spoiled self indulgent heroine who is sex obsessed and seems to only care about own wants. Meh so far.
~~~~~~
Hrms. 1/4th in and just not feeling it. This is basically forced intimacy with the hero being reluctant. Spoiled self indulgent heroine who is sex obsessed and seems to only care about own wants. Meh so far.
August 13, 2015
Set in the corrupt world of ancient imperial China, the only person more powerful and wicked than the Emperor is his older sister. She has her own harem to choose from, and she manages the court intrigue from behind the veils.
Lots of hot sex, petty sycophants, arrogant nobility, and revolting peasants.
Lots of hot sex, petty sycophants, arrogant nobility, and revolting peasants.
January 7, 2023
For inquiring minds, The Obsession, the first of the Princess Shanyin erotic romances by Liliana Lee/Jeannie Lin, was brilliant. This is the reverse harem based on a historical figure (see link) who thought it was unfair her brother had 10,000 women in his harem so asked for one of her own and was granted 30 men.
A few warnings:
1) 6🔥. It's erotica.
2) there's *not* an HEA.
3) Shanyin is not a nice person.
That all said, this has a ton of really smart character development and I was gasping at the end.
A few warnings:
1) 6🔥. It's erotica.
2) there's *not* an HEA.
3) Shanyin is not a nice person.
That all said, this has a ton of really smart character development and I was gasping at the end.
May 10, 2024
This is a 3.5 that I’m rounding to a 4. Solid solid ride up until the end. If you want your erotica with a side of political intrigue a la game of thrones but make it imperial China. Unapologetic sex positive heroine. The hero… I’m not gonna spoil anything but he’s almost turd bucket territory except there was this BLD scene when he was like “oh so you threatened to have my tongue cut off??” and it was so very hot that he almost almost had carte blanche.
January 15, 2015
The Obsession is a fast paced erotic novella with an intriguing settling, interesting characters, and unforeseen plot twists. I was happily enthralled in the story from the very beginning. This story though short is quite addictive with some panty melting scenes which include toys, a bit of bondage, and few menages. This book will keep your blood pumping and your heart racing with erotic moments and unexpected twists.
Shanyin is the sister to the Emperor, and the only person that he trusts. The Emperor gifts Shanyin with thirty concubines to keep her satisfied; however Shanyin has her eyes set on a nobleman named Yuan. Shanyin is then given ten days with Yuan to with as she pleases, though she wants Yuan to give himself to her willingly. While Shanyin attempts to seduce Yuan into her bed, she must also deal with her brother's erratic behavior.
*I received a copy if this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
Shanyin is the sister to the Emperor, and the only person that he trusts. The Emperor gifts Shanyin with thirty concubines to keep her satisfied; however Shanyin has her eyes set on a nobleman named Yuan. Shanyin is then given ten days with Yuan to with as she pleases, though she wants Yuan to give himself to her willingly. While Shanyin attempts to seduce Yuan into her bed, she must also deal with her brother's erratic behavior.
*I received a copy if this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
July 19, 2015
Incredibly well done. Lee's writing style paints a wonderfully erotic narrative using seductive imagery that leaves just enough to the imagination.
Shanyin, while initially coming across as a self-indulgent brat is actually the glue that holds the kingdom, and fractured psyche of her brother, together. During a time when women are seen as objects without a brain and vessels to be used not heard, Shanyin uses her position to enjoy the pleasures of her surroundings. Her brother indulges her desires and whims gifting her with her ultimate conquest, Yuan. After days of thwarting her efforts, Yuan begins to see another side of Shanyin as her humanity comes to the fore. Could he be wrong about her?
Book one of a trilogy, I found this novella to be engaging and fresh in idea and structure. Also, I'm very pleased to see some diversity in the historical romance genre that explores a rich non-European culture proving a fresh perspective.
Shanyin, while initially coming across as a self-indulgent brat is actually the glue that holds the kingdom, and fractured psyche of her brother, together. During a time when women are seen as objects without a brain and vessels to be used not heard, Shanyin uses her position to enjoy the pleasures of her surroundings. Her brother indulges her desires and whims gifting her with her ultimate conquest, Yuan. After days of thwarting her efforts, Yuan begins to see another side of Shanyin as her humanity comes to the fore. Could he be wrong about her?
Book one of a trilogy, I found this novella to be engaging and fresh in idea and structure. Also, I'm very pleased to see some diversity in the historical romance genre that explores a rich non-European culture proving a fresh perspective.
November 13, 2014
I read The Obsession after reading the second and third installment now I am going to reread them. The writing is amazing! Ms. Lee takes you to feudal China and shares with us the story of Princess Shanyin. Shanyin has a harem of men to meet her every whim. Her younger brother is the Emperor and is a complete monster.
This installment introduces us to the one man who will not fall on his knees for her. She sees Yuan and wants him. He refuses, so demands that he serve her for 10 days. He still does not completely consummate their relationship, everything but.
Can they find love among the insanity of feudal China, family killing family to be the Emperor? My one warning is the book is full of hot and I do mean steamy sex and you will need to purchase the next installment before you head explodes!
I will be keeping this series in my kindle to reread!
This installment introduces us to the one man who will not fall on his knees for her. She sees Yuan and wants him. He refuses, so demands that he serve her for 10 days. He still does not completely consummate their relationship, everything but.
Can they find love among the insanity of feudal China, family killing family to be the Emperor? My one warning is the book is full of hot and I do mean steamy sex and you will need to purchase the next installment before you head explodes!
I will be keeping this series in my kindle to reread!
September 14, 2014
3.5 Stars
I read this short story in one sitting and surprisingly I liked it and found it interesting. The setting takes place during the Liu Song Dynasty in China. Princess Shanyin has a concubine for 30 male sex slaves that she uses on a regular basis. This book was pure erotica, however, I liked the storyline too. It's fast paced reading and very HOT! The cliffhanger wasn't terrible, and I would like to read the rest of the series.
160 pages-Release date 10/6/2014
*Complimentary copy given through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I read this short story in one sitting and surprisingly I liked it and found it interesting. The setting takes place during the Liu Song Dynasty in China. Princess Shanyin has a concubine for 30 male sex slaves that she uses on a regular basis. This book was pure erotica, however, I liked the storyline too. It's fast paced reading and very HOT! The cliffhanger wasn't terrible, and I would like to read the rest of the series.
160 pages-Release date 10/6/2014
*Complimentary copy given through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
March 4, 2015
It took me a while to figure out how I'd rate this book. In the end I went with 4.5 stars. It was a story I couldn't get out of my head but it didn't leave me entirely satisfied. It was a great story that kept me captivated and turning the pages, but so far for me it's a hard sell as a romance. I found it to be a very emotional read and loved the twists and turns of the plot. The writing was lush and brilliant. The authors did an amazing job with this story. Perhaps more of a romance will unravel with the next book in the series.
September 6, 2014
Wow! What an introduction to this author and what is sure to be an epic story. I was enthralled by the tale and the twist was just perfect! I see this story developing beautifully as the set up was amazing. Yuan is one hot dude and this was accentuated by his will and restraint. I am dying to read the rest! You won't be disappointed.
December 19, 2014
Hoooooooly hotness. Wow. Wow. This is some seriously hot stuff right here. I was initially turned off by how unlikeable and sometimes cruel the lead character was. But then I stopped and thought: What if the lead was a man? Would I have this same negative reaction? I might not. Kudos to the author for not flinching from making this character who she is.
January 28, 2015
Is she or isn't she dead? I loved this book, it seemed more of a prequel. Once I started I just couldn't put it down.
Ziye was cruel but you can't blame him he was young.
To only spent ten days with Yuan, sometimes you just felt sorry for the Princess Shanyin, stuck in her golden cage.
Can't wait to read the next book.
Ziye was cruel but you can't blame him he was young.
To only spent ten days with Yuan, sometimes you just felt sorry for the Princess Shanyin, stuck in her golden cage.
Can't wait to read the next book.
February 20, 2015
This was...WOW! Unimaginably beautiful in the most erotic but dramatic way. Even if the erotic scenes were taken out, the plot itself and the writing was enticing. The pull and push of the main characters were written simply but perfectly. I can't wait to read the next.
November 8, 2015
This was...
A wonderful story with so many nuances and sexy moments that I got hot and bothered. I also felt other emotions also. I cried, got angry, and was intrigued. I really need to get the rest of this series.
A wonderful story with so many nuances and sexy moments that I got hot and bothered. I also felt other emotions also. I cried, got angry, and was intrigued. I really need to get the rest of this series.
September 29, 2014
I was hooked from page one. The story is both fast paced and exciting and the sex is hot. I loved the interaction between Shanyin and Yuan. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
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