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Tang Dynasty #5
A Dance with Danger
A promise sworn on the edge of a sword…
After a failed assassination attempt on a corrupt general, Bao Yang is a wanted man. Taking refuge with an ally, Yang accidentally compromises the man's daughter when they're discovered alone. To save her honor, he must marry the beautiful Jin-mei immediately!
In Yang's arms, Jin-mei feels alive for the first time. She's determined not to lose him, even if it means joining his perilous mission… But when she realizes just how destructive Yang's path could be, can she convince him that their life together could be so much sweeter than revenge?
After a failed assassination attempt on a corrupt general, Bao Yang is a wanted man. Taking refuge with an ally, Yang accidentally compromises the man's daughter when they're discovered alone. To save her honor, he must marry the beautiful Jin-mei immediately!
In Yang's arms, Jin-mei feels alive for the first time. She's determined not to lose him, even if it means joining his perilous mission… But when she realizes just how destructive Yang's path could be, can she convince him that their life together could be so much sweeter than revenge?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 21, 2015
10 people are currently reading
943 people want to read
About the author
Jeannie Lin
47 books1,023 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author Jeannie Lin grew up fascinated with stories of Western epic fantasy and Eastern martial arts adventures. When her best friend introduced her to romance novels in middle school, the stage was set. Jeannie started writing her first romance while working as a high school science teacher in South Central Los Angeles. After four years of trying to break into publishing with an Asian-set historical, her 2009 Golden Heart Award–winning manuscript, Butterfly Swords, sold to Harlequin Mills & Boon. Her books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Library Journal with The Dragon and the Pearl listed among Library Journal's Best Romances of 2011.
Titles by Jeannie Lin:
Gunpowder Alchemy (Gunpowder Chronicles #1)
The Jade Temptress (The Lotus Palace #2)
The Lotus Palace
Butterfly Swords
The Dragon and the Pearl
My Fair Concubine
The Sword Dancer
For updates, sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/42oZL
Find out more about Jeannie Lin online at http://www.jeannielin.com
Titles by Jeannie Lin:
Gunpowder Alchemy (Gunpowder Chronicles #1)
The Jade Temptress (The Lotus Palace #2)
The Lotus Palace
Butterfly Swords
The Dragon and the Pearl
My Fair Concubine
The Sword Dancer
For updates, sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/42oZL
Find out more about Jeannie Lin online at http://www.jeannielin.com
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November 21, 2018Wildly enjoyable action-adventure romance. The smooth-talking manipulative leader of a rebellion against a warlord is forced into marriage with a magistrate's daughter to save her name, with her father intending to have her widowed by dawn. Married in name only and on the run, our heroine gets to hang on a smuggler ship, learn to fight, and help out with the rebellion, while our hero rediscovers his moral centre and what he values (lost over years of vengeance and plotting). It's gigantic fun and reintroduces some lovely characters from the previous book The Sword Dancer which you should totally read first.
May 9, 2015
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.
February 11, 2016
First of all, let me just appreciate the beauty that is the cover of this book. I have not come across a prettier cover in recent times and I spent quite a bit of time on gazing at the cover before and even while I was reading the story as it unfolded. Jeannie Lin is an author who has a unique voice amongst the numerous authors who write historical romances. Her books take place in China, in the Tang Dynasty period and I have loved each and every single book of hers that I have read in the series to-date.
A Dance with Danger is the fifth book in the Tang Dynasty series and the second book in the Rebels and Lovers series. Bao Yang, the hero is a wanted man, hunted by the powerful General Wang Shizhen. A thwarted attempt on the General’s life is the reason behind Bao Yang’s visit to the Fujian Province where he goes wanting to meet one of his “associates”, Tan Li Kuo, a magistrate of the province.
Things don’t go exactly according to plan when Bao Yang finds himself discovered by Tan Li Kuo himself while in a compromising position with none other than his daughter Jin-mei. As circumstances would demand it, Bao Yang agrees to marry Jin-mei, only to find the tables reversed on him when he is betrayed in the midst of it all. Bao Yang would have thought that whatever connection that he had momentarily felt with his wife Jin-mei would have no place in his future until Jin-mei surprises him with her courage in pursuing him under the most difficult of circumstances.
While Bao Yang cannot compromise on the quest for revenge that he has embarked upon, he finds himself wavering in his determination because Jin-mei teaches him that there could be a life lived outside of the self-imposed mission that he has set upon. A mission that has followers in large numbers, something that Bao Yang never foresaw or dreamed of in the beginning. Jin-mei’s insightful nature, together with her adventure seeking heart proves to be quite the temptation for someone like Bao Yang, who is every bit reckless and rakish as they come. However, for their love to triumph, Bao Yang has a tough decision to make, and for Jin-mei, it might mean choosing between the two people who matter the most in her life.
A Dance with Danger was a read that fell a tad flat of the expectations I had for it and of Jeannie Lin’s exquisite writing talent, which somehow failed to emerge fully in this story. Jeannie Lin is one of those authors who has the sort of voice that is poetic in its prose, one that makes you feel like you are floating on air, witnessing something that is surreal in its beauty. But somehow, A Dance with Danger, while it had all the elements that would make for a highly readable story, I am sorry to say this, but I just couldn’t muster the enthusiasm of the kind I felt while reading all her previous works.
Bao Yang is quite different from the variety of heroes that have featured in Lin’s books in the past. All other heroes that I have come across are reserved and controlled in a way that makes for delicious sexual tension where concerned. Bao Yang is a man who has led a life that is shrouded in shades of grey, and though he is honorable where it counts, Bao Yang doesn’t have a very favorable opinion of himself. The thing that I loved about him was his cheekiness at certain times. The way he would tease his wife, make her tumble into his arms and give her a world of wanton pleasure. Bao Yang stands apart from the rest of the heroes I have come across in Lin’s works because he comes with a ton of sexual experience when compared to the innocent his wife is.
Jin-mei, though no warrior as some heroines of Lin’s previous works, is just as fierce and protective of her man. A life that had been lived with a magistrate as a father had taught her to see everything in black and white. It had also equipped her with a quick wit and mind that can comprehend things quite rapidly. To see things the way her husband sees them is first a challenge for someone like Jin-mei. But I believe that whatever differences that they might have had, they managed to merge seamlessly where and when it mattered.
Though A Dance with Danger was disappointing, I still managed to enjoy the good bits where the remnants of the Jeannie Lin I know and love to bits echoed through the pages. The whole story, the way it was told; all of it just felt vastly different from the caliber that I have become used to when it comes to Lin’s writing.
Recommended for fans of the series and those that love books set in ancient China!
Rating = 3/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit, www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
A Dance with Danger is the fifth book in the Tang Dynasty series and the second book in the Rebels and Lovers series. Bao Yang, the hero is a wanted man, hunted by the powerful General Wang Shizhen. A thwarted attempt on the General’s life is the reason behind Bao Yang’s visit to the Fujian Province where he goes wanting to meet one of his “associates”, Tan Li Kuo, a magistrate of the province.
Things don’t go exactly according to plan when Bao Yang finds himself discovered by Tan Li Kuo himself while in a compromising position with none other than his daughter Jin-mei. As circumstances would demand it, Bao Yang agrees to marry Jin-mei, only to find the tables reversed on him when he is betrayed in the midst of it all. Bao Yang would have thought that whatever connection that he had momentarily felt with his wife Jin-mei would have no place in his future until Jin-mei surprises him with her courage in pursuing him under the most difficult of circumstances.
While Bao Yang cannot compromise on the quest for revenge that he has embarked upon, he finds himself wavering in his determination because Jin-mei teaches him that there could be a life lived outside of the self-imposed mission that he has set upon. A mission that has followers in large numbers, something that Bao Yang never foresaw or dreamed of in the beginning. Jin-mei’s insightful nature, together with her adventure seeking heart proves to be quite the temptation for someone like Bao Yang, who is every bit reckless and rakish as they come. However, for their love to triumph, Bao Yang has a tough decision to make, and for Jin-mei, it might mean choosing between the two people who matter the most in her life.
A Dance with Danger was a read that fell a tad flat of the expectations I had for it and of Jeannie Lin’s exquisite writing talent, which somehow failed to emerge fully in this story. Jeannie Lin is one of those authors who has the sort of voice that is poetic in its prose, one that makes you feel like you are floating on air, witnessing something that is surreal in its beauty. But somehow, A Dance with Danger, while it had all the elements that would make for a highly readable story, I am sorry to say this, but I just couldn’t muster the enthusiasm of the kind I felt while reading all her previous works.
Bao Yang is quite different from the variety of heroes that have featured in Lin’s books in the past. All other heroes that I have come across are reserved and controlled in a way that makes for delicious sexual tension where concerned. Bao Yang is a man who has led a life that is shrouded in shades of grey, and though he is honorable where it counts, Bao Yang doesn’t have a very favorable opinion of himself. The thing that I loved about him was his cheekiness at certain times. The way he would tease his wife, make her tumble into his arms and give her a world of wanton pleasure. Bao Yang stands apart from the rest of the heroes I have come across in Lin’s works because he comes with a ton of sexual experience when compared to the innocent his wife is.
Jin-mei, though no warrior as some heroines of Lin’s previous works, is just as fierce and protective of her man. A life that had been lived with a magistrate as a father had taught her to see everything in black and white. It had also equipped her with a quick wit and mind that can comprehend things quite rapidly. To see things the way her husband sees them is first a challenge for someone like Jin-mei. But I believe that whatever differences that they might have had, they managed to merge seamlessly where and when it mattered.
Though A Dance with Danger was disappointing, I still managed to enjoy the good bits where the remnants of the Jeannie Lin I know and love to bits echoed through the pages. The whole story, the way it was told; all of it just felt vastly different from the caliber that I have become used to when it comes to Lin’s writing.
Recommended for fans of the series and those that love books set in ancient China!
Rating = 3/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit, www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
April 29, 2015
I love each new book this author writes in her Tang Dynasty series that just makes Ancient China and its people come to life for me. It doesn't hurt that there is mystery, adventure, passion and colorful interesting characters. In this case, there is a tie to a previous book, The Sword Dancer, that is great for fans of that story, but this one can still be read as a standalone.
The story opens with Bao Yang still on a quest for vengeance against a ruthless warlord even after Yang's assassination attempt failed and now he has a price on his head. He hopes to regroup and pull in the help of others who want the warlord taken down so he heads into the city to gain support from Magistrate Tan. Only Yang gets sidetracked by Tan's bold and lovely daughter, Jin-Mei. He accidentally compromises her and agrees to her father's insistence that he save her reputation.
Jin-Mei has been attracted to Yang since the first time she encountered him a few years before. She knows what sort of man he is, but even an older, wiser Jin-Mei still feels the pull toward Yang. She is not disappointed when they are forced to marry and dreams of a good marriage and a future. But then a shocking betrayal and Yang's confession of the truth about his past and his need for revenge sends them on the run, hiding from the authorities. In spite of his confessions, Jin-Mei still wants her new husband and hopes to change his mind about revenge.
This story had all the good things I love about a Jeannie Lin Historical Romance. The settings were drawn like a work of art and I could easily picture the scenes. The layered plot and pace was nice with a variety of heart-stopping danger, quiet times, humor, passion, and the build up to a shocking climax. The main characters who share the narration are both engaging. They have to grow, learn and grow together. It was done well. Then there is the issues driving the plot. I loved the twists and turns of the story and was pleasantly surprised when familiar characters slipped in and out of the scenes. Han and Li Feng as well as Li Feng's mysterious brother. I really want his story next.
The romance starts as an arranged marriage, but the author managed to balance the strong chemistry between the two and the need for them to get to know each other and grow their romance. The passionate scenes just sizzle even though Yang must teach his new wife the way of physical love. I liked how the natural tension of the story was handled. They are at odds over Yang's revenge, but it doesn't get angsty.
All in all, this was a fantastic story and I love the feel that I've just visited Ancient China for some romance and adventure. Historical Romance fans might want to pick this book/series up.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of an honest review.
The story opens with Bao Yang still on a quest for vengeance against a ruthless warlord even after Yang's assassination attempt failed and now he has a price on his head. He hopes to regroup and pull in the help of others who want the warlord taken down so he heads into the city to gain support from Magistrate Tan. Only Yang gets sidetracked by Tan's bold and lovely daughter, Jin-Mei. He accidentally compromises her and agrees to her father's insistence that he save her reputation.
Jin-Mei has been attracted to Yang since the first time she encountered him a few years before. She knows what sort of man he is, but even an older, wiser Jin-Mei still feels the pull toward Yang. She is not disappointed when they are forced to marry and dreams of a good marriage and a future. But then a shocking betrayal and Yang's confession of the truth about his past and his need for revenge sends them on the run, hiding from the authorities. In spite of his confessions, Jin-Mei still wants her new husband and hopes to change his mind about revenge.
This story had all the good things I love about a Jeannie Lin Historical Romance. The settings were drawn like a work of art and I could easily picture the scenes. The layered plot and pace was nice with a variety of heart-stopping danger, quiet times, humor, passion, and the build up to a shocking climax. The main characters who share the narration are both engaging. They have to grow, learn and grow together. It was done well. Then there is the issues driving the plot. I loved the twists and turns of the story and was pleasantly surprised when familiar characters slipped in and out of the scenes. Han and Li Feng as well as Li Feng's mysterious brother. I really want his story next.
The romance starts as an arranged marriage, but the author managed to balance the strong chemistry between the two and the need for them to get to know each other and grow their romance. The passionate scenes just sizzle even though Yang must teach his new wife the way of physical love. I liked how the natural tension of the story was handled. They are at odds over Yang's revenge, but it doesn't get angsty.
All in all, this was a fantastic story and I love the feel that I've just visited Ancient China for some romance and adventure. Historical Romance fans might want to pick this book/series up.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of an honest review.
June 25, 2016
As uncharitable as this seems, I'm only going to give this book a 3 star rating. No more than that. You know how there's always this one book that you had been looking forward to reading but found it disappointing? You can probably add this book to that list.
Where to start? I first discovered Jeannie Lin around 2013-2014. Being Chinese myself, I was delighted to finally find an author who wrote genre fiction in English, set in ancient China. I started with the Sword Dancer, then quickly moved on to The Lotus Palace. I was impressed by Lin's ability to realistically portray the culture of that time. You just don't see very much of that in other writers who attempt to write fiction set in China. Granted, at times I found Lin's attempts to word certain Mandarin phrases into English valiant but jarring --simply for the very fact that such words in Mandarin didn't exist at that time in the Tang Dynasty (in fact, the official language of the Tang differs dramatically from the spoken Mandarin we know today). But Lin is a responsible author, explaining to her readers that her story world is loosely based on the Tang Dynasty, and seeing that she wrote these books under Harlequin, it's understood that she has word counts and genre conventions to fulfil, so I am willing to cut her some slack. After all, her effort to research shows.
However. I found this book to be nothing like its predecessors. The story felt rushed, as if it'd been written as an afterthought. At certain areas I found myself scratching my head and wondering how it came to this. Also, Lin seemed to wax more profuse in her use of popular Chinese martial art fiction terms, for example, "land of rivers and lakes" for the term "江湖” (read "jianghu" in Mandarin Pinyin). I remember reading a goodreads review that also mentioned this in particular.
As for the characters, they could have used more development. I didn't find the lead characters very appealing. Rather, the secondary characters outshone them. In the end I became more interested in their stories.
In conclusion, this book is great if you want to kill time or suppress your boredom because of the scarcity of quality genre fiction set in ancient China. But those are the times I'd much rather hole up in the library researching on my own. While waiting for Lin's next book to come out, which I believe will be better than this one.
Where to start? I first discovered Jeannie Lin around 2013-2014. Being Chinese myself, I was delighted to finally find an author who wrote genre fiction in English, set in ancient China. I started with the Sword Dancer, then quickly moved on to The Lotus Palace. I was impressed by Lin's ability to realistically portray the culture of that time. You just don't see very much of that in other writers who attempt to write fiction set in China. Granted, at times I found Lin's attempts to word certain Mandarin phrases into English valiant but jarring --simply for the very fact that such words in Mandarin didn't exist at that time in the Tang Dynasty (in fact, the official language of the Tang differs dramatically from the spoken Mandarin we know today). But Lin is a responsible author, explaining to her readers that her story world is loosely based on the Tang Dynasty, and seeing that she wrote these books under Harlequin, it's understood that she has word counts and genre conventions to fulfil, so I am willing to cut her some slack. After all, her effort to research shows.
However. I found this book to be nothing like its predecessors. The story felt rushed, as if it'd been written as an afterthought. At certain areas I found myself scratching my head and wondering how it came to this. Also, Lin seemed to wax more profuse in her use of popular Chinese martial art fiction terms, for example, "land of rivers and lakes" for the term "江湖” (read "jianghu" in Mandarin Pinyin). I remember reading a goodreads review that also mentioned this in particular.
As for the characters, they could have used more development. I didn't find the lead characters very appealing. Rather, the secondary characters outshone them. In the end I became more interested in their stories.
In conclusion, this book is great if you want to kill time or suppress your boredom because of the scarcity of quality genre fiction set in ancient China. But those are the times I'd much rather hole up in the library researching on my own. While waiting for Lin's next book to come out, which I believe will be better than this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2021
So much fun! While Bao Yang is on the run, he inadvertently compromises Jin-mei, the magistrate's daughter. The magistrate is Yang's ally, so Yang does the right thing and marries Jin-mei. This is no hardship, as Jin-mei is extremely likeable.
To "save" her from a perilous marriage, Yang leaves Jin-mei right after their wedding. Jin-mei isn't interested in a life without him, though, so she tracks him down and convinces him to let her stay with him.
I just... I loved Jin-Mei so much. I kept finding myself thinking that I would want to be friends with her. She's clever, but her cleverness doesn't interfere with or negate her strongest quality, which is her sweetness. The book lets her be sweet, and recognizes it as a strength.
To "save" her from a perilous marriage, Yang leaves Jin-mei right after their wedding. Jin-mei isn't interested in a life without him, though, so she tracks him down and convinces him to let her stay with him.
I just... I loved Jin-Mei so much. I kept finding myself thinking that I would want to be friends with her. She's clever, but her cleverness doesn't interfere with or negate her strongest quality, which is her sweetness. The book lets her be sweet, and recognizes it as a strength.
June 6, 2015
I loved everything else- Tang dynasty China, adventure and a slow romance- but the hero. I get what the author was trying to do, show him through Jinmei's eyes as she gets to know this mysterious husband. But it doesn't help that the reader thinks of him as nothing better than a common smuggler for nearly half the book.
Jeannie Lin being what she is, the book is peppered with gems like-
It was madness, this fight. All wooing was in part a con game, except for this, when he was without words to negotiate, without pride and without shame.
Jeannie Lin being what she is, the book is peppered with gems like-
It was madness, this fight. All wooing was in part a con game, except for this, when he was without words to negotiate, without pride and without shame.
January 5, 2019
This was my first Jeanie Lin book and holy smokes, it will not be my last! I don't know where to start with this book. The setting? Vividly drawn, and utterly compelling. The heroine? When she's lied to by her father, she leaves her home with her new husband...the one she thought dead for the first days of their marriage. The strength she displays to do this, and then, throughout her journey, is perfect. The hero? Not traditionally likeable - he is a criminal, though for a righteous cause - yet I still rooted for him. I don't want to examine what that says about me ;-)
All in all, this book was perfect and you should absolutely read it.
All in all, this book was perfect and you should absolutely read it.
June 16, 2015
This Book is a stroke of mastery. I truly enjoyed reading it. Jeannie Lin has done it again with this new book. Loved Jin-Mei and Bao Yang in this book. Jin-Mei is a true woman and one of the rare one's that will face danger in order to the man she loves. Trying to convince Bao Yang is going to take every thing she has at her disposal to get her man. Even if they face danger, death and destruction they will face it together. The two of them will discover on this path their true feelings for one another. This story takes place in great time period and it is well written.
January 3, 2022
3.5 stars.
April 20, 2015
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 21, 2015
A promise sworn on the edge of a sword…
After a failed assassination attempt on a corrupt general, Bao Yang is a wanted man. Taking refuge with an ally, Yang accidentally compromises the man's daughter when they're discovered alone. To save her honor, he must marry the beautiful Jin-mei immediately!
In Yang's arms, Jin-mei feels alive for the first time. She's determined not to lose him, even if it means joining his perilous mission… But when she realizes just how destructive Yang's path could be, can she convince him that their life together could be so much sweeter than revenge?
~~
REVIEW: A DANCE WITH DANGER is the second installment in Jeannie Lin’s Lovers and Rebels historical, romance/adventure series set in the Tang Dynasty of China. This is outlaw/ merchant Bao Yang, and the magistrate’s daughter Jin-mei’s storyline. A DANCE WITH DANGER can be read as a stand alone. Some of the previous storyline characters play secondary and supporting roles throughout the story.
Told from third person perspective, the storyline follows the ill-fated wedding and marriage of Jin-mei and Bao Yang. Bao is an outlaw, with a price on his head, and he has been forced into a marriage with the magistrate’s daughter. What ensues is an attempt on Bao’s life, leaving the newly married Jin-mei without a husband and too many questions. As Jin-mei begins to unravel the mystery surrounding the presumed death of her husband, she will begin to suspect that her father has something to do with the attack. Jin-mei will go in search of her husband, only to discover that there is more to the story than she could ever have known. Bao Yang and Jin-mei will begin a cross country trek as Yang plots revenge for the death of someone close.
The relationship between Bao Yang and Jin-mei is one of immediate attraction but Yang knows his reputation as an outlaw places Jin-mei in a precarious position. The building romance finds Jin-mei in need of comfort and reassurance, thus allowing for the love and dance of sexual attraction to begin. The sex scenes are romantic and intimate without graphic description or language. We are introduced to Bao Yang’s brother Tien and his wife Shou-yun, and reunited with Hao Han, Lin Feng, and Lin’s brother Liu Yuan (The Sword Dancer #1). There is a potential storyline building for Liu Yuan.
Jeannie Lin’s exotic and breathtaking world building takes the reader through the jungles, waterways and outlying areas of China where we meet charismatic characters and controversial players. Bao Yang and Jin-mei’s journey follows a path of self-discovery, personal revelations, and blossoming love. The plot twists and revelations add an interesting perspective when the truth is finally revealed.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
A promise sworn on the edge of a sword…
After a failed assassination attempt on a corrupt general, Bao Yang is a wanted man. Taking refuge with an ally, Yang accidentally compromises the man's daughter when they're discovered alone. To save her honor, he must marry the beautiful Jin-mei immediately!
In Yang's arms, Jin-mei feels alive for the first time. She's determined not to lose him, even if it means joining his perilous mission… But when she realizes just how destructive Yang's path could be, can she convince him that their life together could be so much sweeter than revenge?
~~
REVIEW: A DANCE WITH DANGER is the second installment in Jeannie Lin’s Lovers and Rebels historical, romance/adventure series set in the Tang Dynasty of China. This is outlaw/ merchant Bao Yang, and the magistrate’s daughter Jin-mei’s storyline. A DANCE WITH DANGER can be read as a stand alone. Some of the previous storyline characters play secondary and supporting roles throughout the story.
Told from third person perspective, the storyline follows the ill-fated wedding and marriage of Jin-mei and Bao Yang. Bao is an outlaw, with a price on his head, and he has been forced into a marriage with the magistrate’s daughter. What ensues is an attempt on Bao’s life, leaving the newly married Jin-mei without a husband and too many questions. As Jin-mei begins to unravel the mystery surrounding the presumed death of her husband, she will begin to suspect that her father has something to do with the attack. Jin-mei will go in search of her husband, only to discover that there is more to the story than she could ever have known. Bao Yang and Jin-mei will begin a cross country trek as Yang plots revenge for the death of someone close.
The relationship between Bao Yang and Jin-mei is one of immediate attraction but Yang knows his reputation as an outlaw places Jin-mei in a precarious position. The building romance finds Jin-mei in need of comfort and reassurance, thus allowing for the love and dance of sexual attraction to begin. The sex scenes are romantic and intimate without graphic description or language. We are introduced to Bao Yang’s brother Tien and his wife Shou-yun, and reunited with Hao Han, Lin Feng, and Lin’s brother Liu Yuan (The Sword Dancer #1). There is a potential storyline building for Liu Yuan.
Jeannie Lin’s exotic and breathtaking world building takes the reader through the jungles, waterways and outlying areas of China where we meet charismatic characters and controversial players. Bao Yang and Jin-mei’s journey follows a path of self-discovery, personal revelations, and blossoming love. The plot twists and revelations add an interesting perspective when the truth is finally revealed.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 11, 2022
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.
January 17, 2021
Now that I've started reading Jeannie Lin, I don't think there's any chance I'm going to stop. It's extremely short-sighted of historical romance as a genre to be dominated by US and American history, because if the Tang Dynasty is any indication, there's a lot of great historical romance to be found all over the globe.
This go around the hero and heroine are the outlaw smuggler Bao Yang (Li Feng's ex from the first book) and Jin Mei, the sheltered daughter of the slippery, conniving Magistrate Tan. They're caught briefly (and chastely, but it's historical times so it remains scandalous) alone together and have to marry, which both of them are actually totally cool with. Jin Mei has had a thing for Bao Yang since she saw him as a young teen, and Bao Yang is immediately smitten with her now.
But nothing Magistrate Tan does is actually simple, and the couple winds up on the run. This is a road trip book in a lot of ways, but of course it's also a romance, and it's an adventure. Along the way Yang and Jin Mei encounter old friends, "friends," enemies, shady female boat captains and their hulking sidekicks, Yang's brother and his family, Li Feng's brother, the warm and welcoming inhabitants of a pottery-making village, and more.
This book is a perfect combination of romance and adventure and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
This go around the hero and heroine are the outlaw smuggler Bao Yang (Li Feng's ex from the first book) and Jin Mei, the sheltered daughter of the slippery, conniving Magistrate Tan. They're caught briefly (and chastely, but it's historical times so it remains scandalous) alone together and have to marry, which both of them are actually totally cool with. Jin Mei has had a thing for Bao Yang since she saw him as a young teen, and Bao Yang is immediately smitten with her now.
But nothing Magistrate Tan does is actually simple, and the couple winds up on the run. This is a road trip book in a lot of ways, but of course it's also a romance, and it's an adventure. Along the way Yang and Jin Mei encounter old friends, "friends," enemies, shady female boat captains and their hulking sidekicks, Yang's brother and his family, Li Feng's brother, the warm and welcoming inhabitants of a pottery-making village, and more.
This book is a perfect combination of romance and adventure and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
April 19, 2015
Jin-mei is 19 and the only daughter of the local magistrate, raised to be a proper young lady in Tang Dynasty (AD 848) China. Bao Yang has wealth and status, but as the leader of a rebellion, he is an outlaw and bent on revenge against a local warlord, General Wang. When their unplanned encounter threatens her honor, a little flirtation leads to marriage and adventure.
Jeannie Lin's historical novel is well-written, the characters have depth, the relationships are believable, and the adventure is interesting. The full review can be read on my Wordpress blog: http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-1D
3.5/5 stars - A well done historical romance set in Tang Dynasty China.
Recommended for those who enjoy romance and adventure (with the caveat that this IS a Harlequin and NOT from their Love Inspired line, so there are several scenes of adult content after Jin-mei and Yang are married).
Disclosure: This review refers to a finished copy I received from the author. I won it in a giveaway on her website http://www.jeannielin.com/ and am not obligated to write a review, honest or otherwise, though a note was included asking me to consider doing so (the honest version, of course, which is the only one I'd bother to write).
Jeannie Lin's historical novel is well-written, the characters have depth, the relationships are believable, and the adventure is interesting. The full review can be read on my Wordpress blog: http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-1D
3.5/5 stars - A well done historical romance set in Tang Dynasty China.
Recommended for those who enjoy romance and adventure (with the caveat that this IS a Harlequin and NOT from their Love Inspired line, so there are several scenes of adult content after Jin-mei and Yang are married).
Disclosure: This review refers to a finished copy I received from the author. I won it in a giveaway on her website http://www.jeannielin.com/ and am not obligated to write a review, honest or otherwise, though a note was included asking me to consider doing so (the honest version, of course, which is the only one I'd bother to write).
April 21, 2015
'she was the most dangerous woman of all'
Little did Jin-Mei realize when she went for a walk in the park, leaving her elderly servant resting in the shade, that her life was about to be changed forever.
Bao Yang, a man with a price on his head and the leader of a failed attempt to assassinate and overthrow the vicious warlord General Wang Shizhen, has returned to the city of Minzhou in the province of Fujian to garner support with his powerfull ally, Magistrate Tan. The young woman in the park looked like the perfect target to help him in his quest.
As it turned out, she is! The daughter of the co-conspirator he seeks is about to become family! Fate did indeed intervene! Just not in the way either Yang or Jin-Mei realize.
As their lives become entwined both Yang and Jin-Mei strive to meet the challenge of their situation, although retribution for General Wang's treatment of his sister remains a powerful driving force for Bao Yang.
A story of betrayal, vengeance and retribution tempered by love, set against the background of the Chinese Tang Dynasty AD 848, 'Dance with Danger' continues the collage of people and events that Lin has cleverly woven together in this time and place.
A NetGalley ARC
Little did Jin-Mei realize when she went for a walk in the park, leaving her elderly servant resting in the shade, that her life was about to be changed forever.
Bao Yang, a man with a price on his head and the leader of a failed attempt to assassinate and overthrow the vicious warlord General Wang Shizhen, has returned to the city of Minzhou in the province of Fujian to garner support with his powerfull ally, Magistrate Tan. The young woman in the park looked like the perfect target to help him in his quest.
As it turned out, she is! The daughter of the co-conspirator he seeks is about to become family! Fate did indeed intervene! Just not in the way either Yang or Jin-Mei realize.
As their lives become entwined both Yang and Jin-Mei strive to meet the challenge of their situation, although retribution for General Wang's treatment of his sister remains a powerful driving force for Bao Yang.
A story of betrayal, vengeance and retribution tempered by love, set against the background of the Chinese Tang Dynasty AD 848, 'Dance with Danger' continues the collage of people and events that Lin has cleverly woven together in this time and place.
A NetGalley ARC
April 13, 2015
I enjoyed the historical setting and strong characterisations. A well-off young lady in medieval China is accidentally compromised by standing in the shade with a man. Her father insists they marry. But treachery comes from a point where it is least expected and the new husband vanishes, believed killed.
The young wife decides to strike out alone, keeping secret that she believes her husband, a rebel, is still alive. She barters for her passage on a ship with a bolt of silk, starting travels and adventures through the province.
I always enjoy that Jeannie Lin shows the economic structure of her China, from trade to governance to smuggling, making her stories well rounded and realistic. As always the details are rich and engrossing. This is an adult romance but for those who worry about such issues, the bedroom scenes feature a married couple. This is part of the Lovers and Rebels series, and forms a great contrast to the first title The Sword Dancer.
The young wife decides to strike out alone, keeping secret that she believes her husband, a rebel, is still alive. She barters for her passage on a ship with a bolt of silk, starting travels and adventures through the province.
I always enjoy that Jeannie Lin shows the economic structure of her China, from trade to governance to smuggling, making her stories well rounded and realistic. As always the details are rich and engrossing. This is an adult romance but for those who worry about such issues, the bedroom scenes feature a married couple. This is part of the Lovers and Rebels series, and forms a great contrast to the first title The Sword Dancer.
October 13, 2022
I want to come back and write more about this book, because I really like it and I think it does some interesting things, but I have writer's block for reviewers (deeply pathetic). Anyway, I've been thinking about revenge stories (for which one of my main reference points personally is westerns - the classic main character of a western who has some kind of relationship to violent revenge) and the role of revenge in romance novels. And I think a lot of times what happens in romance is a revenge-driven character either has to give up their goal of vengeance, or they do achieve what they (thought they) wanted and have to realize that it's not actually satisfying (thinking especially of "hero uses heroine as pawn in revenge scheme" type books, where he's confronted with his hollow victory when the heroine finds out about his scheme). So I like that this book has a different take.
May 19, 2015
I would like to thank Jeannie Lin for providing me with an advance copy of this book!
"This isn't what you wanted, is it? Jin-mei asked yang beneath her breath"(33)
If your looking for an awesome romance story with a lot of suspense, then this is defiantly the book for you. I enjoyed the plot as I felt it had a very equal balance between the romance side of he characters relationship and the action packed plotting of the characters. It was one of those books you couldn't put down as you needed to know what was gonna happen next. I loved the ending, and I know you will too! This was a quick read as it was less than 300 pages, and I read it in a day.
I would highly recommend this book, especially to females over the age of 18
"This isn't what you wanted, is it? Jin-mei asked yang beneath her breath"(33)
If your looking for an awesome romance story with a lot of suspense, then this is defiantly the book for you. I enjoyed the plot as I felt it had a very equal balance between the romance side of he characters relationship and the action packed plotting of the characters. It was one of those books you couldn't put down as you needed to know what was gonna happen next. I loved the ending, and I know you will too! This was a quick read as it was less than 300 pages, and I read it in a day.
I would highly recommend this book, especially to females over the age of 18
Read
October 29, 2019I'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.
April 10, 2016
I had no idea there were historical romances set in China! What!? And well done, too! THANK YOU! I'm going to have to check out the other ones!
July 3, 2016
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.
July 8, 2017
I love Jeannie's books. Just wish she would put a pronunciation key in the back of the book for the characters names. I hate not being sure how to pronounce them.
May 21, 2022
This one was FUN. Granted, the male main character is a total man slut -- nearly all the female characters readers meet he's slept with!
Still a delicious time 💃
Still a delicious time 💃
October 12, 2025
3.5 stars
Buzzwords Title 25: With
CBR17 Pie Challenge: History
I declare review amnesty on this one. It's been too long since I read it.
Buzzwords Title 25: With
CBR17 Pie Challenge: History
I declare review amnesty on this one. It's been too long since I read it.
March 21, 2024
It's been soooooo long since I read the others of the series. I'm glad this did well as a standalone. Hahaha. If a past character showed up...I didn't remember them, but that was fine.
Here we have Jin-mei and Yang. After a failed assassination attempt on a corrupt general, Yang is now a wanted man so he is on the run. He takes refuge with an ally and whoops...he accidently compromises his ally's daughter. To save her honor, he marries her. Jin-mei joins Yang on his perilous mission, but she soon realizes that Yang's path could destroy both of them. Can she convince him to give up revenge and live happily ever after?
I simply loved that fact that they got a chance to talk and fall in love. There wasn't any major drama with each other. Sure some issues to weed through, but the main issue is external with his whole I-Need-Revenge thing! Lots of talking. Lots of learning and listening. Cute.
The drama does bubble up and it was good. I had no idea how everything was going to be resolved!! Oooooo men....so damned stubborn......
Now, I did like Jin-mei and Yang. Both are very sweet, but....I struggled to see the passion between them until damn well near the end. I don't know and I can't really explain it. I guess I didn't buy the chemistry until the very end.
Speaking of which....I hope there will be more books in this series, because HOW CAN YOU LEAVE ME LIKE THIS!? So open-ended. I needed more. What...what do they do? Where do they go? I doubt there will be more unless there is a spin-off because this was the last one and it was written in 2015. No epilogue? Gah!
I am curious to re-visit the rest of the series one day. I really did like some of the others too. It's been a long time that is for sure.
All-in-all, I did like this. Nice characters learning about each other and falling in love. It took me a while to actually buy the passion and chemistry, but it does flare up eventually, for me, near the end. I'm bummed that the end didn't give me more answers, but it was sweet. I highly recommend this series. It was good. I barely remember the others since it has been YEARS so I am tempted to revisit. I'll stamp this with 3 stars.
ONE WORD SUMMARY: Pleasant
Here we have Jin-mei and Yang. After a failed assassination attempt on a corrupt general, Yang is now a wanted man so he is on the run. He takes refuge with an ally and whoops...he accidently compromises his ally's daughter. To save her honor, he marries her. Jin-mei joins Yang on his perilous mission, but she soon realizes that Yang's path could destroy both of them. Can she convince him to give up revenge and live happily ever after?
I simply loved that fact that they got a chance to talk and fall in love. There wasn't any major drama with each other. Sure some issues to weed through, but the main issue is external with his whole I-Need-Revenge thing! Lots of talking. Lots of learning and listening. Cute.
The drama does bubble up and it was good. I had no idea how everything was going to be resolved!! Oooooo men....so damned stubborn......
Now, I did like Jin-mei and Yang. Both are very sweet, but....I struggled to see the passion between them until damn well near the end. I don't know and I can't really explain it. I guess I didn't buy the chemistry until the very end.
Speaking of which....I hope there will be more books in this series, because HOW CAN YOU LEAVE ME LIKE THIS!? So open-ended. I needed more. What...what do they do? Where do they go? I doubt there will be more unless there is a spin-off because this was the last one and it was written in 2015. No epilogue? Gah!
I am curious to re-visit the rest of the series one day. I really did like some of the others too. It's been a long time that is for sure.
All-in-all, I did like this. Nice characters learning about each other and falling in love. It took me a while to actually buy the passion and chemistry, but it does flare up eventually, for me, near the end. I'm bummed that the end didn't give me more answers, but it was sweet. I highly recommend this series. It was good. I barely remember the others since it has been YEARS so I am tempted to revisit. I'll stamp this with 3 stars.
ONE WORD SUMMARY: Pleasant
June 14, 2020
3.5 stars for a view into a culture and history I know very little about but which is beautifully described and vividly portrayed in this story of a marriage that one person perceives to be a shotgun wedding and the other considers a marriage of convenience but which works out quite differently for all concerned when the backdrop is a murder/assassination plot. Secrets and lies abound, but Jin-mei refuses to take what she's told at face value once she discovers how deep the deception goes. She's a survivor and does her best to control her own fate in a society that limits women's power. Quite an adventure.
January 14, 2025
The first one in this series was my favourite book of last year, so I had high hopes for this one. Too high hopes? I mean, it was fundamentally absolutely fine. But I did not buy the couple at all, and felt they had basically no chemistry. I was genuinely surprised when they banged for the first time, even though it was about halfway through the book, as neither of them seemed really attracted to each other at all.
So… Fine. But kiiiiiiiinda failed at the most fundamental purpose of a romance novel, for me.
So… Fine. But kiiiiiiiinda failed at the most fundamental purpose of a romance novel, for me.
March 11, 2017
I was intrigued to find this category romance in the historical romance genre set in ancient China! WOW! I have heard Jeannie Lin's books being described as "Panda Express" which I take it to mean cheesey Chinese style according to Western stereotypes of what's Chinese. Being Asian/ Chinese I was kind of apprehensive yet how can I not give it a go?
For once it's a historical romance set not in America or England!
Overall I liked this but I am really judging it as a category romance. It is a shorter story than a full length novel and I give credit that the pace is just right and the story does not sound like it was choppy or end abruptly as is the case of many category romances or novellas.
Being an Asian and Chinese who does not read Chinese literature at all I really cannot compare this to Chinese novels; maybe this is why I was able to enjoy the book as a dimple and pleasant read. Sometimes the language oulls me out of the book a bit. Chinese words are sometimes written in hanyu pinyin and in italics; however this word "amah" threw me off a bit. It was written in normal font as you would say Nanny/nanny and all my life I though "amah" was our local Southeast Asian local colloquial term; a mix of Chinese dialect and Malay, if I guessed correctly. It's silly to be bugged by a word but it made me wonder about the language a bit. I just wonder how non-Asian/Chinese readers find her language/voice.
One short story is too little to base my judgement on so I was glad to have borrowed her longer book Lotus Palace too.
PS. This book is part of two series which I have never read before, this being the first book of this author that I am reading. I think I was not lost so it could be read as a standalone.
For once it's a historical romance set not in America or England!
Overall I liked this but I am really judging it as a category romance. It is a shorter story than a full length novel and I give credit that the pace is just right and the story does not sound like it was choppy or end abruptly as is the case of many category romances or novellas.
Being an Asian and Chinese who does not read Chinese literature at all I really cannot compare this to Chinese novels; maybe this is why I was able to enjoy the book as a dimple and pleasant read. Sometimes the language oulls me out of the book a bit. Chinese words are sometimes written in hanyu pinyin and in italics; however this word "amah" threw me off a bit. It was written in normal font as you would say Nanny/nanny and all my life I though "amah" was our local Southeast Asian local colloquial term; a mix of Chinese dialect and Malay, if I guessed correctly. It's silly to be bugged by a word but it made me wonder about the language a bit. I just wonder how non-Asian/Chinese readers find her language/voice.
One short story is too little to base my judgement on so I was glad to have borrowed her longer book Lotus Palace too.
PS. This book is part of two series which I have never read before, this being the first book of this author that I am reading. I think I was not lost so it could be read as a standalone.
May 14, 2024
I liked this; it delivered exactly what I wanted from a historical romance set is ancient China. I liked Bao Yang from the previous book but Jin-mei is a welcome foil for his scoundrel ways. As with the previous books from Jeannie Lin, there is a lot of action and adventure for the two as they navigate rebellions, hidden secrets, and old friends.
May 8, 2019
I don't like romances. Reading the second in a series probably wasn't my best idea. I needed to read a historical romance by an AOC for Read Harder. So I did that.
The end.
The end.
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