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Fall of a State
{The desire of an emperor...} Bored with his usual palace musicians, the emperor Liu Che is tempted by a new song from lowly qin-player Li Yan Nian. Yan Nian is also beautiful, and Liu Che is in the mood to take a new lover. His lovers usually come to him, but Yan Nian's shy reticence intrigues the emperor. {The yearning of a man...} Yan Nian has been in love with the emperor since he entered the palace. Regardless of his heart, he made a promise on his father’s deathbed to use his musical skills to bring his beloved younger sister to the emperor's attention. However, Lady Li has no intention of becoming an imperial concubine. {The danger of love...} An attack at a victory celebration heralds an attempt on the emperor's life, and desire and yearning collide when it's revealed there may be no way to protect all the hearts threatened by a plot to overthrow the state.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2010
7 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Kate Cotoner
20 books20 followersKate Cotoner lives in the north of England with her OH and a demanding bonsai named Mr M. She has a fondness for Asian men tempered with a love of hunky Germanic and Mediterranean types, and manages to combine love for all three types whilst watching Formula One motorsport. She loves history, needlepoint, reading, watching brainless blockbusters and meaningful foreign films, staring at US crime shows, and baking French-style bread. She likes strong, plot-driven stories and charismatic characters set against a sweeping, romantic backdrop of history, suspense, international locations and whatever else happens to take her fancy at the time.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 12, 2018
3.5 stars. I say this lovingly: this is fancy, fairy tale porn. Charming writing, excellent editing, fun and erotic novella. A dash of kink.
The plot is simple and the characters aren’t deep. Almost all of the sex was hot, except one scene that fell flat for me. Overall a nice read! This writer definitely has skill and I’m bummed to see that she seems to have disappeared… :(
The plot is simple and the characters aren’t deep. Almost all of the sex was hot, except one scene that fell flat for me. Overall a nice read! This writer definitely has skill and I’m bummed to see that she seems to have disappeared… :(
October 21, 2010
The author herself calls this book a “fluffy version” of the true-life affair between Lui Che, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty of China and Li Yan Nian a court musician in the Emperor’s court. But I wouldn’t call it fluffy, as such. Perhaps it is a little rose-tinted, but there’s no way this could be labelled as “wallpaper” because of the solidity of the world painted around the characters and the obvious depth of knowledge that the author has. If you dig a little deeper into the “what happened to these characters in real life” then the happy ever after loses some of its gloss it has to be said.
It’s a shame, really, that this is almost a throwaway novella with a sharply erotic focus because Lui Che was a hugely fascinating man–and the way he shaped the Empire around him would be more than enough material for many, many books — and has been.
But what this book does–as an erotic novella–it does exquisitely well, and exquisite is a good word here, because the careful elegance of Chinese courtly life is described so beautifully that you can see every graceful movement of the courtiers, hear the swish of silk and brocaded satin as it sweeps along nightingale floors, and even smell the weight of history.
I don’t doubt the a man as powerful as Lui Che was could have had any man or woman in the kingdom, so his manner of “seduction” strikes true (that being said, it stretched my credulity a tad that he’d bother to go to Nian’s room in the musical quarter to have sex with him) and the interplay between them, particularly in the first sex scene is as taught as a guitar string and quite lovely. There’s some whipping, and even though it’s not my thing, I admit it’s gorgeously done, and you really get a sense that–as with the time period–Cotoner knows exactly what she’s doing and how to describe this play.
It’s a hard balance to do quite such an erotic novella of this length and still include enough plot and characterisation to keep you enthralled from beginning to end, but this manages it very well. Highly enjoyable. I hope that the author does a more detailed book in future of this era because I’d love to know more about it.
The cover deserves a special mention and is certainly one of my favourites this year. It really looks like it could have been done in the era concerned.
Interested in China and same sex relationships? Then read Kate’s article on The Macaronis. (www.historicromance.wordpress.com)
It’s a shame, really, that this is almost a throwaway novella with a sharply erotic focus because Lui Che was a hugely fascinating man–and the way he shaped the Empire around him would be more than enough material for many, many books — and has been.
But what this book does–as an erotic novella–it does exquisitely well, and exquisite is a good word here, because the careful elegance of Chinese courtly life is described so beautifully that you can see every graceful movement of the courtiers, hear the swish of silk and brocaded satin as it sweeps along nightingale floors, and even smell the weight of history.
I don’t doubt the a man as powerful as Lui Che was could have had any man or woman in the kingdom, so his manner of “seduction” strikes true (that being said, it stretched my credulity a tad that he’d bother to go to Nian’s room in the musical quarter to have sex with him) and the interplay between them, particularly in the first sex scene is as taught as a guitar string and quite lovely. There’s some whipping, and even though it’s not my thing, I admit it’s gorgeously done, and you really get a sense that–as with the time period–Cotoner knows exactly what she’s doing and how to describe this play.
It’s a hard balance to do quite such an erotic novella of this length and still include enough plot and characterisation to keep you enthralled from beginning to end, but this manages it very well. Highly enjoyable. I hope that the author does a more detailed book in future of this era because I’d love to know more about it.
The cover deserves a special mention and is certainly one of my favourites this year. It really looks like it could have been done in the era concerned.
Interested in China and same sex relationships? Then read Kate’s article on The Macaronis. (www.historicromance.wordpress.com)
November 12, 2018
Give me a man dressed in ancient Chinese robes and I'll want to read the book. Give me an emperor and a musician and I'll want to read the book while jumping around like a puppy. Give me a little BDSM (very very mild, anyone can take it) and you've made my day.
This story has all of the above, plus hot erotic scenes, great writing and editing, and quite a nice plot for a novella.
I am a big fan of wuxia stories (Chinese martial arts stories) so I picked it up immediately thinking it was one of them. My mistake, this was not wuxia but the descriptions, research and overall enjoyment were so good they kept me from mumbling any complaints.
If you are a fan of Ancient China, I really recommend this little story.
This story has all of the above, plus hot erotic scenes, great writing and editing, and quite a nice plot for a novella.
I am a big fan of wuxia stories (Chinese martial arts stories) so I picked it up immediately thinking it was one of them. My mistake, this was not wuxia but the descriptions, research and overall enjoyment were so good they kept me from mumbling any complaints.
If you are a fan of Ancient China, I really recommend this little story.
January 16, 2019
Did I mention you that I love silk? 😁 Well, of course, a lot of people love silk but I have always found that the touch of silk against bare human skin to be exquisite, sensual, beautiful and extremely titillating. 😉 I also have a thing for men in ancient Chinese robes. I love imperial dramas and I always daydream about beautiful Asian men in equally exquisitely sublime robes falling in love and making love in the private gardens near a lovely stream. So this little novella is all my fantasies come true! 😍 A powerful yet bored emperor who has a taste for domination and light BDSM, who is also longing for love, a beautiful musician who’s been secretly in love with the emperor for years, elegant and refined music and sensual musical instruments, a palace drama and lots and lots of that sensual, divine silk robes! One word people! Palace Porn! 😂🔥 And I enjoyed every second reading this lovely fantasy/historical love story between a powerful emperor and an innocent, humble court musician! 🥰 And lots and lots of sizzling heated actions! Boy, that was one sexy book! 🔥🔥🔥 Can’t ask for more. Loved it. 💜 I hope the author writes more. 😌
4.5 you are the greatest treasure in my empire stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
4.5 you are the greatest treasure in my empire stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
February 28, 2011
This was beautifully written but I think I can only say this was a 3.5 star read because, in the middle of this story about historical China, I came across the word 'arse' over and over. This UK slang used in an Asian setting threw me out of the story totally.
October 8, 2011
I tried so desperately to love this book but it seems I failed dramatically.
The main two problems were the language and the main character Yan Nian, or, to be more exact, his characterization and his actions after that characterization was presented to the reader.
Yan Nian is described as a shy and modest young man who, at the same time, keeps *cough* a stone dildo buried in his things in his room, who doesn't disapprove of his sisterwhoring around having relationships with one man after another (not at the same time..or maybe at the same..) and who, on the first "date" with his Emperor, pleads "fuck me", "fuck me". It just doesn't fit into the whole picture of my perception of the world of shy and modest men! Ok, I can turn a blind eye to the first point but the other two are just a big NO!
And that soppy ending...too predictable, too "happily ever after"-ish..Not my thing. Totally.
The main two problems were the language and the main character Yan Nian, or, to be more exact, his characterization and his actions after that characterization was presented to the reader.
Yan Nian is described as a shy and modest young man who, at the same time, keeps *cough* a stone dildo buried in his things in his room, who doesn't disapprove of his sister
And that soppy ending...too predictable, too "happily ever after"-ish..Not my thing. Totally.
Read
October 4, 2012Exquisitely written and highly erotic. I read this in a day, even though I should have been writing, but I regret nothing. I do enjoy how well Kate Cotoner navigates foreign cultures, and her style is always a pleasure.
January 6, 2020
Absolutely lovely! The descriptions of the palace are lush and vibrant, and the characters here are beautifully complex. Yan Nian is delightfully innocent yet seductive in his earnestness, while his sister, Lady Li, is a wonderful foil to his naivete. This story was a refreshing change from the typical MM historical -- as Mel Brooks said, it's good to be the king, so I suppose it's even better to be the emperor!
December 17, 2018
A simple storyline with two nicely-rounded main characters.
The book is very well written and full of intriguing historical details. It didn't blow my mind but it was a very enjoyable and distracting read.
The book is very well written and full of intriguing historical details. It didn't blow my mind but it was a very enjoyable and distracting read.
February 22, 2016
3.5 stars
August 9, 2016
3.75 stars. It verrrry fluffy, but I quite enjoyed it.
September 22, 2023
Set in Ancient China, an Emperor comes to notice a musician whose compositions are unique and compelling.
The story is short and sweet with a bit of court intrigue and treachery. The erotic scenes are given in detail and cover almost half of the book, which would suit a lengthier book
The story is short and sweet with a bit of court intrigue and treachery. The erotic scenes are given in detail and cover almost half of the book, which would suit a lengthier book
April 8, 2011
I didn't realize until after I'd read this book that the story is based on the real-life history of the Chinese emperor, Liu Che. I almost wish I hadn't found out, because the real story isn't the fairy tale that this little book is. Still, it was an enjoyable read, if not entirely realistic (and, to be fair, the author herself calls her version "fluff"). But enjoyable, it was, and well-written.
MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW:
So, all in all a book worth reading, although perhaps not the deepest or most realistic retelling of history. Also a bit short for my taste - I'd like to have gotten more from the characters, especially regarding the relationship between the men.
MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW:
So, all in all a book worth reading, although perhaps not the deepest or most realistic retelling of history. Also a bit short for my taste - I'd like to have gotten more from the characters, especially regarding the relationship between the men.
dnf
December 1, 2013I will not give a rating to it because I didn't finish it
I was very close to the end but I'm giving up. It's a good story, but the amount of eroticism bothers me. I like erotica, have nothing against it, but sometimes (like in this book) I wished for more plot and less sex
So, sadly, it breaks my heart but I'm giving up. DNF for me.
I was very close to the end but I'm giving up. It's a good story, but the amount of eroticism bothers me. I like erotica, have nothing against it, but sometimes (like in this book) I wished for more plot and less sex
So, sadly, it breaks my heart but I'm giving up. DNF for me.
April 17, 2011
The author managed to evoke the beauty and exoticism of ancient Chinese era. A beautiful historical tale of the Chinese emperor and his male lover. Great research and description of the setting and era without lecturing the readers.
July 22, 2012
The jewel among the trash of gay romance books. Well written historical gay romance which binds the educated author who put on on display the old Chinese imperial court with all its splendor and glory and in the same time could make the relationship between emperor and lowly musician believable.
February 3, 2014
I don't know if it was because I just read 'The Last Concubine' by Catt Ford which is kind of similar with 'Fall of a State' that this book turned out boring for me so 3 stars only but still a good book to read! :)
May 16, 2011
3.5 stars
July 8, 2011
This was great! I loved the setting and the simplicity of the lover story, however improbable, and the fact that it is based on actual events.
April 29, 2012
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this story, it was exactly what I was looking for.
October 20, 2012
4,5 stars
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews