Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Review: Jade Lee's "TEMPTRESS"

 

TEMPTRESS
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jade Lee

RELEASE DATE:
September 21, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0DCLF8WKF

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://kathylyons.com/

 

 

Chen Ji Yue is the daughter of a poor bannerman. Her family’s survival depends on Ji Yue becoming the next Empress. On the way to the Forbidden City, she discovers a man in her palanquin. Ji Yue discovers later the stranger’s identity. Sun Bo Tao has the power to destroy her chances of drawing the emperor’s notice. Will Bo Tao be Ji Yue’s downfall? Can she prevail in her goal?

Sun Bo Tao is the emperor’s best friend. He has been chosen to be the Master of the Festival – the person in charge of all the Imperial Virgins. Bo Tao searches through all the candidates to find the perfect bride for the emperor. His success guarantees him an official position. Chen Ji Yue stands out among all the virgins. Can Bo Tao complete his task? Or will he risk the emperor’s wrath to have Ji Yue?

I admire Ji Yue for not resorting to the other virgin’s cattiness and petty machinations. She tried to help a couple of the girls and befriend them with little success. I also like how Ji Yue did not endure their cruelty and the eunuchs’ passively. She fought only when necessary.

I admire how Bo Tao wanted an official position than continuing as a hanger-on. He strived to help both his friend and his country. Sometimes I questioned the friendship between the emperor and Bo Tao. I did not like how the emperor treated Bo Tao most of the time. It did not feel friendly. However, despite that, Bo Tao remained loyal to his friend.

TEMPTRESS is the second book in Jade Lee’s historical- Chinese romance series, FORBIDDEN PLEASURES. The story can easily stand alone or be read out-of-order. I found myself flying through this book much faster than the first. The storytelling is much smoother. I like how the author does not go too deep into the corruption or the politics of the harem. It is alluded to.


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