The Jade Temptress (The Pingkang Li Mysteries #2) by Jeannie Lin-a review

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THE JADE TEMPTRESS (The Pingkang Li Mysteries #2) by Jeannie Lin

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 18, 2014

Welcome to the infamous Pingkang Li—home of the celebrated Lotus Palace courtesans, and a place of beauty and treachery…

Charming and seductive, Mingyu is the most sought-after hostess in the pleasure quarter. She has all men wrapped around her finger—except Constable Wu Kaifeng, the one man she can’t resist, the only man to have placed her in chains.

Wu Kaifeng’s outwardly intimidating demeanor hides a reluctant, fierce attraction to beautiful Mingyu. But the passionate temptation she presents threatens to destroy them both when a powerful official is murdered and they find themselves on a deadly trail. Amid the chaos, a forbidden affair could change Mingyu’s fate forever, for following her heart is bound to have consequences…

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REVIEW: THE JADE TEMPTRESS is the second instalment in Jeannie Lin’s historical romance mystery series set in the Tang Dynasty of historical China. This is courtesan Mingyu and Constable Wu Kaifeng’s storyline. When Mingyu finds the prominent and powerful General Deng beheaded all fingers point to the beautiful courtesan who was known to be one of the General’s favorites. We were first introduced to Mingyu and Kaifeng in The Lotus Palace-book number one.

The storyline focuses on Kaifeng’s investigation into the murder of General Deng as well as Mingyu’s fight to prove her innocence. There is a prior history between Kaifeng and Mingyu that started at the Lotus Palace months before when Mingyu was the prime suspect in another murder. As Kaifeng searches for clues, Mingyu must fight off the advances of another investigator who wants Mingyu for himself.

The relationship between Kaifeng and Mingyu is surprising as they have been battling one another for several months. They deny their attraction to one another at every opportunity and both refuse to admit that there is any possibility of a future.

THE JADE TEMPTRESS is a compelling story of intrigue, suspense and romance. The secondary characters are an eclectic mix of reprehensible and familiar; engaging and colorful. The world building continues with the inclusion of The Lotus Palace courtesans and their Mother as well as some of the previous storyline characters.

Jeannie Lin pulls the reader into the mystical and secretive world of the fabled courtesan where the famous and infamous meet behind closed doors whispering secrets about life, love and the political machine. THE JADE TEMPTRESS is a story about one woman’s fight for freedom and the man who will do almost anything to ensure she gets what she wants.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy